Even as new roads, hospitals, and schools are promised for the Northeast, more than ₹3,200 crore meant for infrastructure projects in the region remains unspent—a reality check that surfaced in Parliament on Thursday.

Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Sukanta Majumdar said ongoing projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) carry an outstanding central liability of ₹3,206.18 crore as of December 31, 2025.

Over 160 projects remain under implementation across the eight northeastern states.

State-Wise Pending Funds

Roads and Education Lead Backlog

Sector-wise analysis reveals roads and bridges account for the biggest backlog at ₹1,402.11 crore across 53 projects. Education projects have pending dues of ₹774.55 crore, while ₹317.87 crore remains unspent on health infrastructure.

Power, water supply, sports, tourism, digital connectivity, and civil aviation together comprise the remaining outstanding amount.

30 Projects Significantly Delayed

The government informed the House that 30 projects—three under NESIDS (Roads) and 27 under NESIDS (Other Than Roads Infrastructure)—were sanctioned more than two years ago but still have over 50% of their approved cost unspent.

Officials attributed delays to tough terrain, land acquisition issues, statutory clearances, and financial closures, noting that timelines often depend on local conditions.

About NESIDS

Launched in 2017-18, NESIDS was later split into roads and other infrastructure components, supporting projects from highways to schools, hospitals, water supply, and solid waste management.