Silchar, Assam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Silchar on Saturday, marking a significant boost to infrastructure development in the region ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly elections.
Landmark Expressway Between Assam and Meghalaya
The Prime Minister participated in the ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ ceremony for a 166-kilometer, four-lane controlled-access expressway connecting Silchar in Cachar district, Assam, with Shillong, Meghalaya. With an investment of ₹22,864 crore, this is the first project of its kind in the Northeast.
Officials said the greenfield expressway will significantly improve connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya. Travel time between Guwahati and Silchar will reduce from 8.5 hours to around 5 hours, while the distance will drop from 295 km to 252 km.
Elevated Corridor in Silchar
PM Modi also laid the foundation for the first phase of an elevated corridor on NH-306, stretching from Trunk Road near ‘Capital Point’ to ‘Rangirkhari Point’ in Silchar. This project aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility in the city.
New Agricultural College in Patharkandi
In addition, the Prime Minister inaugurated the foundation for a new agricultural college in Patharkandi, Karimganj district, aiming to strengthen higher education and research in the agricultural sector.
Part of a Larger Development Push
These initiatives are part of a broader set of projects totaling ₹47,800 crore, which PM Modi began inaugurating across Assam since Friday.
With the state assembly elections expected in April, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is striving for a third consecutive term in office.