Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Assam’s Silchar town, marking a significant step toward strengthening infrastructure and economic growth in the Northeast. Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating development in the region while also criticising the opposition for allegedly spreading panic during global uncertainties.
A key highlight of the event was the ‘bhoomi poojan’ (foundation ceremony) for a ₹22,864-crore access-controlled expressway connecting Silchar in Assam’s Cachar district with Shillong in Meghalaya. The ambitious 166-km four-lane greenfield corridor will be the first high-speed access-controlled expressway in the Northeast.
According to officials, the new corridor will significantly improve connectivity by reducing the distance between Guwahati and Silchar from 295 km to 252 km, while also cutting travel time from approximately 8.5 hours to nearly 5 hours. The project is expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and mobility across the region.
The expressway is also seen as a strategic infrastructure initiative that will enhance logistical efficiency and regional integration between Assam and Meghalaya, opening new economic avenues for the entire Northeast.
During his address, the Prime Minister referred to the ongoing global geopolitical tensions and conflicts, stating that the Central government is making continuous efforts to minimise their impact on the Indian population.
He said that in times of global uncertainty, political parties should act responsibly to maintain public confidence and stability. However, he alleged that the opposition had failed to play a constructive role.
According to him, attempts to spread rumours or panic among citizens during sensitive times could harm national morale and economic stability.
In a sharp political attack, the Prime Minister accused the Indian National Congress of historically neglecting the Northeast region and failing to prioritise its development.
He argued that after Independence, the drawing of international borders had severely affected the economic prospects of the Barak Valley region by cutting off its access to the sea. According to the Prime Minister, this decision disrupted traditional trade routes and weakened the region’s commercial significance.
Modi also claimed that the Congress government had ignored the region’s potential for decades, leaving communities without adequate infrastructure and development opportunities.
Continuing his criticism, the Prime Minister alleged that the Congress lacks a clear development vision for Assam and the country. Instead, he claimed, the party focuses mainly on criticising the government and spreading misinformation.
He emphasised that the current government’s development strategy focuses on regions that historically remained underserved.
“Our mantra is to give priority to those who were left behind in development,” he said, adding that development efforts in the Northeast are part of a broader national commitment to balanced regional growth.
Highlighting changes in the state’s socio-economic landscape, Modi stated that Assam had once struggled with unrest and instability, but the situation has transformed in recent years.
He alleged that earlier governments had allowed conditions where youths were pushed toward violence and militancy. In contrast, he said the present government has focused on creating employment opportunities, infrastructure, and investment prospects for young people.
According to him, Assam today represents an “ocean of opportunities” for its youth, driven by improved connectivity, infrastructure development, and increasing investment in industry and tourism.
The Silchar–Shillong expressway and other development initiatives unveiled during the visit are part of a broader national effort to transform the Northeast into a major economic and connectivity hub. Improved road networks, railways, and air connectivity are expected to boost regional integration, tourism, and cross-border trade.
With large-scale investments in infrastructure and development projects, the government aims to position the Northeast as a key driver of India’s economic growth while ensuring that historically underdeveloped regions receive greater attention and resources.
The projects announced in Silchar are expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping transportation networks and unlocking the economic potential of Assam and neighbouring states in the coming years.
Leave Your Comment