Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India's hilly regions face significant challenges due to poor connectivity and inadequate infrastructure. A report by Assocham-EGROW study stated that the absence of rail freight corridors and all-weather roads to hilly regions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, leads to inefficient transportation, increased logistics costs, and restricted market access, negatively impacting MSME growth and competitiveness.