GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a slew of infrastructure projects worth a staggering Rs. 55,600 crore for the Northeast during his two-day visit to the region.
The grand launch took place during the “Viksit Bharat Viksit North East” programme held at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on March 9, during Modi’s second visit to the region in 36 days.
“The Northeast is going to become a strong link in India’s trade, tourism and other relations with South East Asia. Today, projects worth over Rs. 55,000 crore have been unveiled here,” he said, addressing the public rally in the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
Among the major announcements, Nagaland emerged as a primary beneficiary with projects worth more than Rs. 1,700 crore.
Prime Minister Modi virtually laid the foundation stones for key initiatives including the Unity Mall in Chümoukedima district and the upgradation of the 132 kv sub-station at Nagarjan in Dimapur.
Additionally, several road projects, including the upgraded road from Chendang Saddle to Noklak and the Kohima-Jessami Road, were inaugurated by the Prime Minister, signifying a concerted effort towards enhancing connectivity within the state.
In a virtual ceremony attended by Nagaland’s cabinet members, PM Modi also launched the “Viksit Bharat-Viksit Nagaland” initiative, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering holistic development across the state.
Addressing the public gathering in Itanagar, Modi, while detailing the transformative strides made by his government in the Northeast over the past five years, took a jibe at the Congress.
“The Congress would have taken 20 years to do it,” he said.
He also accused the Grand Old Party of neglecting the Northeast and jeopardising national security by ignoring the border areas.