Guwahati, April 1 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that the Centre has approved a major underwater tunnel project under the Brahmaputra River near Gohpur, aimed at improving connectivity in the Northeast.
Addressing a large public rally in Assam's Biswanath district, PM Modi said the project, estimated at Rs 18,500 crore, will significantly reduce travel time between Gohpur and Numaligarh, ushering in a new era of seamless connectivity in the region.
He added that the tunnel will not only improve transportation but also create substantial employment opportunities for the people of Assam.
"This project will bring a new era of connectivity to the Northeast and open up economic opportunities for the youth," PM Modi said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the initiative.
Taking a veiled dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi remarked that the opposition leader is heading towards a "century of defeats", while asserting that the BJP continues to enjoy strong public support.
Highlighting welfare measures, the Prime Minister said that more than 22 lakh families in Assam have already received proper housing, with an additional 15 lakh expected to benefit in the coming years.
He reiterated that a "double-engine government" ensures faster and more effective implementation of schemes.
Focusing on women's empowerment, PM Modi said that around three lakh women in the state have become "Lakhpati Baideo" (millionaire women), and the BJP aims to increase this number to 40 lakh.
He also announced that the Orunodoi scheme will be expanded to include more women beneficiaries, calling it a key election promise.
Among other commitments, he said the BJP plans to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam, adding that people trust the party because it fulfills its promises.
On agriculture, PM Modi said that nearly 20 lakh farmers have benefited from the PM-Kisan scheme.
Addressing the state's flood problem, he said that Rs 18,000 crore will be invested to make Assam flood-free, including measures such as increasing the depth of the Subansiri River.
Highlighting infrastructure gains, PM Modi said that the BJP has completed five bridges over the Brahmaputra in the last decade, with work underway on five more. He also pointed to improvements in healthcare and education, noting that medical colleges have increased from six to 14, with 10 more under construction.
Accusing the Congress of appeasement politics and neglecting Assam's potential, PM Modi said that the BJP is committed to protecting indigenous communities and ensuring development while preserving the state's heritage.