March 14, 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched and laid the foundation stone for several development projects worth ₹23,550 crore from Silchar in Assam. The projects are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth in the Barak Valley region.
During the programme, the Prime Minister performed the Bhumi Pujan for three major projects at Ambikapur in Silchar. These include the Silchar High-Speed Corridor with a projected cost of ₹22,864 crore, the Silchar Town Flyover estimated at around ₹565 crore, and the Patharkandi Agricultural College to be developed at a cost of ₹122 crore.
Addressing a public gathering, Mr Modi said the Barak Valley in southern Assam is emerging as a key gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia. He stated that the Northeast region is now playing an important role in advancing India’s Act East Policy.
The Prime Minister also criticised the Congress, alleging that the region remained neglected for decades after Independence despite the party being in power for long periods both at the Centre and in the state.
Highlighting infrastructure initiatives, Mr Modi said the Silchar–Shillong high-speed corridor will be the first access-controlled high-speed expressway in the Northeast. The 166-kilometre project, with an investment of around ₹22,860 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya.
He said the corridor will reduce the distance between Guwahati and Silchar and cut travel time from about 8.5 hours to nearly 5 hours, which will support economic activity and enhance cross-border trade in the region.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the elevated corridor on NH-306, stretching from Trunk Road near Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point in Silchar (Phase-I). The project is expected to ease traffic congestion on one of the city’s busiest routes and improve connectivity with neighbouring states such as Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur, further supporting the development of the Barak Valley.
Additionally, Mr Modi laid the foundation stone for the College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district. The institution aims to strengthen agricultural education and research in Assam while providing students from the Barak Valley and nearby regions access to quality agricultural studies closer to home.
Referring to global conflicts and instability, the Prime Minister said the government is making every effort to ensure that citizens face minimal hardship. He added that the Centre’s priority is to reduce the impact of global tensions and war-like situations on the people of India.
