**Executive Summary**
This document answers Unstarred Question No. 2003 in the Lok Sabha, addressing the alignment of logistics policies in the North-Eastern region of India. The response details the establishment of inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, the integration of the Act East policy, and the roadmap for positioning the region as a logistics and trade gateway. Key actions include the implementation of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and connectivity projects through Myanmar. The original question was raised on February 11, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Inter-Ministerial Coordination:**
* The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is mandated for the Integrated Development of the Logistics Sector, with an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to align logistics initiatives.
* The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched in October 2021, anchors these initiatives.
* An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was constituted by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in July 2024 to assess the logistics ecosystem.
* A Steering Group under MDoNER monitors roadmap implementation.
* **Act East Policy Integration:**
* The Government is implementing two connectivity projects through Myanmar (Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway) to improve access to ASEAN markets, as per India's Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
* Improved rail, road, and inland waterway links between India and Bangladesh also contribute.
* Institutional mechanisms, such as Joint Working Groups on Trade and Joint committees on Border Haats, have been established to enable coordination.
* **Roadmap for North-Eastern Region:**
* A multi-pronged strategy is being pursued to position the North-Eastern Region as a logistics and trade gateway.
* This strategy involves coordinated policy planning and institutional mechanisms supported by PM Gati Shakti-based planning.
* The plan enables integrated geospatial mapping of multimodal connectivity, industrial clusters, logistics parks, border infrastructure, and economic assets.
* The strategy also includes strengthening physical connectivity through projects implemented by concerned line Ministries.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Minister of State**
* **Impact:**
* Responsible for coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the logistics roadmap.
* Responsible for constituing IMC
* **Action Required:**
* Oversee the Steering Group that monitors the roadmap implementation.
**Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry**
* **Impact:**
* Mandated for the Integrated Development of the Logistics Sector, specifically aligning logistics initiatives in the North-Eastern Region.
* To provide representation in the Steering Group constituted under MDoNER
* **Action Required:**
* Continue leading and coordinating logistics development efforts.
**Line Ministries and Eight North-Eastern States**
* **Impact:**
* Involved in the implementation of specific projects related to connectivity, trade, and infrastructure development.
* Affected by policies and initiatives aimed at improving logistics in the region.
* To provide representation in the Steering Group constituted under MDoNER
* **Action Required:**
* Implement relevant projects and participate in coordination mechanisms.
**Ministry of External Affairs**
* **Impact:**
* Responsible for India's Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, which influence connectivity projects.
* **Action Required:**
* Continue supporting connectivity projects through Myanmar.
Key Entities Referenced
North-Eastern Region: The geographical area that is the primary focus of the logistics policies mentioned in the document.
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: A national plan used to anchor logistics initiatives in the North-Eastern Region.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region: The Ministry responsible for development in the North-Eastern Region, including logistics.
Act East policy: A policy referenced for its integration into the logistics strategy, specifically regarding cross-border trade.
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade): Mandated for the Integrated Development of the Logistics Sector in the country.
Government of India
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2003
To be answered on
Wednesday, February 11, 2026/Magha 22, 1947 (Saka)
QUESTION
Alignment of Logistics Policies in the North-Eastern region
2003. Shri Tapir Gao
Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to
state:
(a) whether inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms have been established to align
logistics initiatives in the North-Eastern Region with connectivity, trade and industrial
policies;
(b) If so, the details of such coordination arrangements;
(c) whether the Act East policy and cross-border trade considerations have been
integrated into the logistics strategy; and
(d) the roadmap for positioning the North-Eastern Region as a logistics and trade
gateway?
ANSWER
The Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
[Dr. Sukanta Majumdar]
(a) & (b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
Commerce & Industry is mandated for the Integrated Development of the Logistics Sector
in the country. As per DPIIT,an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to align logisticsinitiatives in the North-Eastern Region with connectivity, trade and industrial policies is
anchored in the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched in October 2021.
In addition, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was constituted by Ministry of
Development of North Eastern Region in July 2024, pursuant to the decisions in 71st
Plenary of the North Eastern Council, to assess the logistics ecosystem in the NER and
recommend measures to strengthen logistics planning. The implementation of the resulting
roadmap is also monitored by a Steering Group constituted under MDoNER, comprising
representatives of DPIIT (Logistics Division) and other concerned line Ministries and the
eight North-Eastern States.
(c) Yes sir. As per Ministry of External Affairs, under India’s Act East and
Neighbourhood First policies, the Government is implementing two connectivity projects
through Myanmar to provide better access to ASEAN markets. These are Kaladan Multi
Modal Transit Transport and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
Improved rail, road, and inland waterway links between India and Bangladesh
provide better connectivity for India’s North East and support wider sub-regional integration.
Institutional mechanisms such as Joint Working Groups on Trade, Sub-Groups on Land
Customs Stations/Integrated Check Post infrastructure, and Joint committees on Border
Haats have been established to enable coordination among concerned authorities in India
and Bangladesh, including those in India’s North Eastern Region, in relation to logistics,
connectivity, trade infrastructure, and other developments impacting the region.
(d) The roadmap for positioning the North-Eastern Region as a logistics and trade
gateway is pursued through a multi-pronged strategy. This includes coordinated policy
planning and institutional mechanisms supported by PM Gati Shakti–based planning, which
enables integrated geospatial mapping of multimodal connectivity, industrial clusters,
logistics parks, border infrastructure and economic assets and strengthening physical
connectivity through projects implemented by concerned line Ministries.
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