North-East Now Center of Act East Policy: PM Modi in Silchar

• PM Modi launches development projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Silchar, Assam
• North-East emerging as gateway connecting India with South-East Asia
• Barak Valley farmers and tea garden workers praised for Assam’s growth
• Vibrant Village Programme expanded to strengthen border villages in the region

GG News Bureau
Silchar, 14th March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Silchar, Assam, aimed at accelerating infrastructure growth and strengthening connectivity in the Barak Valley and the wider North-East region.

Addressing a large gathering in Silchar, the Prime Minister said visiting the Barak Valley is always a special experience for him, describing the region as a vibrant land where culture, language and history blend to create a unique identity.

“The diversity of the Barak Valley is its greatest asset, where Bengali, Assamese and tribal traditions flourish together in harmony,” the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting the significance of the North-East in India’s foreign and economic strategy, the Prime Minister stated that the region has become the center of India’s Act East Policy, serving as a bridge connecting India with South-East Asia.

The Prime Minister said the newly launched projects in road, rail and education sectors will strengthen the Barak Valley’s position as a major logistics and trade hub for the North-East, creating employment opportunities for local youth and improving regional connectivity.

Among the major initiatives announced was the Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, a major infrastructure project expected to transform transport connectivity in the region. The corridor will link Silchar with neighbouring states such as Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura, while strengthening trade access to markets across the North-East.

The Prime Minister also highlighted infrastructure initiatives including the Silchar flyover to reduce traffic congestion and the electrification of more than 2,500 kilometres of Assam’s railway network, which will enable faster and environmentally friendly rail transport.

Praising the contribution of farmers and tea garden workers in the region, the Prime Minister said their efforts have played a crucial role in Assam’s development. He noted that more than ₹20,000 crore under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has been transferred to farmers in Assam so far.

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of the first Agriculture College in Patharkandi, which he said would strengthen agricultural research and encourage agri-startups among youth in the region.

Referring to border development initiatives, PM Modi reiterated the government’s approach of viewing border settlements as the “first villages of the country.” He said the next phase of the Vibrant Village Programme has been launched from Cachar district, bringing development to several villages in the Barak Valley.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Assam government’s decision to provide land rights to tea garden families, calling it a historic step that will enable them to access government welfare schemes related to housing, electricity and water.

Emphasizing opportunities for the youth, the Prime Minister said Assam is emerging as a technology and semiconductor hub, supported by improved infrastructure, education and skill development initiatives.

Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed confidence that the development projects launched in Silchar would usher in a new era of prosperity for the Barak Valley.

“The day is not far when Barak Valley will be recognised as a new centre of development,” the Prime Minister said.