Blurb: Major initiatives in railways, waterways, roads and petroleum logistics aim to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate development across the Northeast.
Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹19,480 crore in Assam, marking a significant push to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in the northeastern region of the country.
The moment we all have been waiting for!
Adarniya @narendramodi ji performed the Bhoomi Pujan of 3 key projects in Silchar
✅Shillong-Silchar High Speed Corridor
✅Silchar Flyover
✅Agriculture College, Patharkandi#ModiForAshtalakshmi pic.twitter.com/q4aXmXBcpp— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 14, 2026
The projects, unveiled during a public programme in Guwahati, span several key sectors including railways, inland waterways, road connectivity and petroleum infrastructure, and are expected to support economic expansion, trade and employment generation in the region.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister Modi said the Centre remains committed to transforming the Northeast into a major engine of growth for India. He emphasized that improved infrastructure will help integrate the region more closely with national markets and global trade routes.
Focus on Connectivity and Logistics
Among the key initiatives is the development of improved road connectivity linking Pandu Port with National Highway-27, a project expected to facilitate smoother cargo transportation and strengthen multimodal logistics in Assam. The corridor is likely to reduce travel time for freight movement and improve access to one of the region’s key river ports.
The government also launched several inland water transport projects along the Brahmaputra River, aimed at expanding river-based connectivity and promoting tourism. The initiatives include the development of modern river terminals and passenger facilities to support both cargo and cruise operations.
To further support the inland waterway ecosystem, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a Regional Centre of Excellence for Inland Waterways in Dibrugarh district, which will function as a training and research hub for river navigation and maritime logistics in the Northeast.
Boost to Railway Infrastructure
Railway infrastructure also received a major boost with the dedication of multiple electrified railway sections across Assam. Electrification is expected to enhance train operations, reduce fuel costs and improve environmental sustainability while strengthening connectivity between northeastern states and the rest of the country.
In addition, a new rail-fed petroleum logistics project linked to Numaligarh Refinery Limited was announced. The planned petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) terminal will help streamline fuel transportation and ensure efficient distribution of petroleum products across the region.
Support for Farmers
During the programme, the Prime Minister also released the latest installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, transferring financial assistance directly to farmers’ bank accounts across the country. The initiative is aimed at strengthening income support for farmers and improving rural livelihoods.
Northeast Development in Focus
The launch of these projects is part of the central government’s broader strategy to accelerate development in India’s northeastern states through investments in transport infrastructure, logistics networks and industrial growth.
Officials said the new projects are expected to improve regional connectivity, promote trade through waterways and rail corridors, and create new employment opportunities across Assam and neighbouring states.
With these initiatives, Assam continues to play a crucial role as a gateway to the Northeast and a key hub in India’s expanding connectivity network.
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