Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched various development projects worth ₹23,550 crore from Silchar in Assam today. Mr. Modi performed the "Bhumi Pujan," or ground-breaking ceremony, for three projects at Ambikapur in Silchar. These are: the Silchar High-Speed Corridor, projected to cost ₹22,806 crore; the Silchar Town Flyover, projected to cost approximately ₹565 crore; and the Patharkandi Agricultural College, projected to cost ₹122 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said that Barak Valley in southern Assam is emerging as a crucial bridge to connect India with Southeast Asia, while accusing the Congress of neglecting the region for decades after independence. He said that the North East is now leading India's "Act East" policy. Addressing the public gathering in Silchar, the Prime Minister said that the Barak Valley once served as an important trade center but lost its strategic advantage due to decisions made during the Congress era. He alleged that despite ruling the country and the state for decades, the Congress failed to focus on the development of the Barak Valley.
Highlighting infrastructure development, PM Modi said that a historic step was taken with the laying of the foundation stone for the Silchar-Shillong high-speed corridor. The project will be the first access-controlled high-speed expressway in the Northeast. He said that the 166 km corridor, with an investment of around ₹22,860 crore, will significantly improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam. The Prime Minister said that the project will reduce the distance between Guwahati and Silchar and cut travel time from 8.5 hours to approximately 5 hours, boosting economic growth and cross-border trade in the region.
Mr. Modi said that the Elevated Corridor on NH-306 from Trunk Road near Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point in Silchar (Phase-I) will decongest one of Silchar's busiest roads, improve connectivity with neighboring states such as Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur, and contribute to the economic development of the Barak Valley. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district. The institution will strengthen the ecosystem of agricultural education and research in Assam and provide students from the Barak Valley and neighboring regions access to high-quality agricultural education closer to home.
On the conditions of war prevailing all around the world, the Prime Minister said that the BJP government is making every possible effort to ensure that the citizens of the country face the fewest hardships possible. He said that the Government's objective is to minimise the impact of this war on the nation's citizens.