The Prime Minister also targets Congress over the alleged neglect of Barak Valley while unveiling key connectivity and education projects
Silchar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 14 launched development projects worth Rs 23,550 crore in Silchar, marking a major infrastructure push for the Barak Valley region of Assam.
At a public programme held at Ambikapur, the Prime Minister performed the Bhoomi Pujan for three major projects: the Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, a Silchar Town Flyover, and a College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district.
The 166-km Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, estimated to cost around Rs 22,864 crore, will be the first access-controlled greenfield four-lane corridor in the Northeast. The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam, reducing travel time between Guwahati and Silchar from around 8.5 hours to about five hours.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said the corridor would strengthen trade and economic activity in the region. He also criticised the Indian National Congress, alleging that the party had failed to focus on the development of the Barak Valley for decades.
“The Congress party had left the Northeast to its own fate. When the country attained independence, the Barak Valley’s vital link to the sea was completely severed,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the region lost much of its earlier trade advantage due to policy decisions taken during that period.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Silchar Town Flyover, a project estimated at Rs 565 crore, which will decongest a busy stretch of NH-306 and improve connectivity with neighbouring states, including Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur.
Another project launched during the event was the Agriculture College at Patharkandi, to be built with an investment of Rs 122 crore, aimed at strengthening agricultural education and research in southern Assam.
Officials said the projects are expected to boost regional connectivity, trade, education and employment opportunities in the region while strengthening Assam’s role in India’s Act East strategy.
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