Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched various development projects worth 23,550 crore rupees from Silchar in Assam today. Mr Modi performed the ‘Bhumi Pujan’ or ground breaking ceremony for three projects at Ambikapur in Silchar. These are, Silchar High-Speed Corridor at a projected cost of 22 thousand 8 hundred and 64 crore rupees, Silchar Town Flyover at a projected cost of approximately 565 crore rupees, and the Patharkandi Agricultural College at a projected cost of one hundred 22 crore rupees.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, southern Assam’s Barak Valley is emerging as a crucial bridge to connect India with Southeast Asia, while accusing the Congress of neglecting the region for decades after Independence. He said that North East is now leading India’s Act East Policy. Addressing the public gathering in Silchar, the Prime Minister said the Barak Valley once served as an important trade centre but lost its strategic advantage due to decisions taken during the Congress era. He alleged that despite ruling the country and the state for decades, the Congress failed to focus on the development of Barak Valley.

Highlighting infrastructure development, PM Modi said a historic step was taken with the foundation stone being laid for the Silchar-Shillong high-speed corridor. The project will be the first access-controlled high-speed expressway in the Northeast.