As part of the second day of his visit to Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Barak Valley on Saturday and laid the foundation stones and performed the bhoomi pujan for several development projects worth over ₹23,000 crore.
Addressing a large public gathering in Buddhurail, Silchar, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the 165-kilometer Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor, which will be constructed at a cost of over ₹22,000 crore. He also laid the foundation stones for a ₹560-crore modern flyover in Silchar and an Agriculture College in Patharkandi, Karimganj District.
During his address, the Prime Minister stated that border villages are now being recognized as the first villages of the country, rather than the last. He further announced that the next phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme has been launched from Cachar District.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Prime Minister Modi strongly criticized the Indian National Congress, alleging that the party had long neglected the North Eastern region. He also stated that the Congress played a significant role in keeping the Barak Valley underdeveloped and sensitive.