- North-East Positioned as India’s Strategic Gateway to South-East Asia under Act East Vision
- High-Speed Corridor, Rail Electrification and Urban Infrastructure to Transform Regional Connectivity
- Farmers and Tea Garden Workers Recognised as Pillars of Assam’s Growth Story
- Vibrant Village Mission Expands from Cachar to Empower Border Communities
- Education, Agriculture and Tech Initiatives Signal a New Development Era for the Valley
NE NEWS SERVICE
GUWAHATI, MAR 14
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Silchar, signalling a major infrastructure and economic push for the Barak Valley region.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister said the initiatives would strengthen connectivity, enhance economic activity and create new employment opportunities across the North-East.
“Today, North-East India is the centre of India’s Act East Policy. It is becoming a bridge that connects India with South-East Asia,” said the Prime Minister.
Gateway of a Vibrant Valley
Highlighting the cultural richness of the region, the Prime Minister described Barak Valley as a place where Bengali, Assamese and tribal traditions flourish together, creating a unique social harmony.
“The diversity of the Barak Valley is its greatest asset, fostering a spirit of brotherhood among its citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Silchar serves as the gateway to the valley and that the newly launched projects would help transform the region into a major logistics and trade hub for the entire North-East.
“Barak Valley is going to become a major logistics and trade hub for the North East,” he remarked.
High-Speed Corridor to Transform Connectivity
A key highlight of the visit was the foundation stone for the ₹24,000-crore Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, the first access-controlled highway of its kind in the region.
According to the Prime Minister, the corridor will significantly enhance connectivity between Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura, eventually linking the region with markets in South-East Asia.
“Barak Valley is going to be connected to a very bright future,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
The development package also includes a new flyover in Silchar, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve access for students and commuters travelling to key institutions such as the region’s leading medical and engineering colleges.
Rail Electrification for Sustainable Growth
The Prime Minister noted that the electrification of more than 2,500 kilometres of Assam’s rail network will make travel faster and environmentally sustainable.
“High-speed, clean rail transport will significantly benefit the pristine environment of the Barak Valley,” he said.
Farmers and Tea Garden Workers Acknowledged
Recognising the contributions of the agricultural community, the Prime Minister said farmers and tea garden workers have played a pivotal role in Assam’s economic development.
“The farmers of Barak Valley and the workers employed in the tea gardens here have made a very significant contribution to the development of Assam,” he said.
He added that more than ₹20,000 crore has been transferred to farmers in Assam under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, providing financial support for agricultural activities.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the establishment of the region’s first Agriculture College at Patharkandi, which is expected to strengthen research and promote agri-startups among youth.
“Barak Valley will now be known for agricultural studies and research,” he stated.
Border Villages at the Centre of Development
Emphasising the government’s approach towards border regions, the Prime Minister said villages located along national borders are now viewed as strategic development hubs.
“We consider the villages on the border as the first villages of the country,” he said.
He noted that the Vibrant Village Programme, launched from Cachar district, is bringing visible development to many remote settlements across Barak Valley.
A New Future for Youth
The Prime Minister said Assam is also emerging as a new hub for technology and advanced industries, including the semiconductor sector.
“Assam is now becoming an important part of India’s semiconductor sector. The ecosystem and talent related to next-generation technology are getting ready here,” he remarked.
He added that expanding education, skill development and healthcare infrastructure would open new opportunities for young people across the region.
“The doors of a golden future are opening for the youth of the tea gardens,” the Prime Minister noted.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the development initiatives launched in Silchar would usher in a new era of prosperity for the region.
“The day is not far when Barak Valley will be recognised as a new centre of development,” he said.
