Relevance: GS III (Infrastructure & Energy) | Source: PIB

1. What is the News?

The Prime Minister launched ₹47,800 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Assam to transform the Northeast into India’s central “growth engine.”

2. Key Projects

• Roads (Asom Mala 3.0): Upgrading over 900 km of state highways to seamlessly connect rural areas with National Highways.
• Clean Power (Kopili Hydro-Electric Project): A 150 MW power plant built on the Kopili River to provide steady, pollution-free electricity.
• Oil & Gas Infrastructure:
  • Expanding the Numaligarh–Siliguri pipeline to transport petroleum safely to West Bengal.
  • Advancing the North East Gas Grid to bring clean natural gas to homes and industries across the region.

The “UPSC Trap”

• The Geography Trap: UPSC loves testing tributaries. The Kopili River originates in Meghalaya and is a South-Bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, not a North-Bank one.
• The Scheme Trap: Do not confuse Asom Mala with waterway projects. Like the central ‘Bharatmala’, it is strictly for road network upgrades.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to the infrastructure initiatives and geography of North-East India, consider the following statements:

1. The Kopili River originates in the Meghalaya plateau and is a North-Bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
2. The ‘Asom Mala’ initiative primarily aims to improve inland waterways connectivity within the state of Assam.
3. The North East Gas Grid project is designed to connect all the eight North-Eastern states to the National Gas Grid.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)