Assam: Narendra Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates development works worth around Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Darrang and to all the citizens of Assam on this historic day of Assam’s development journey.

The Prime Minister stated that following the success of Operation Sindoor, he visited Assam for the first time yesterday.

He attributed the operation’s resounding success to the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and expressed a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment upon setting foot on her sacred land.

He also extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Janmasthami being celebrated in Assam.

Reiterating his words from ramparts of Red Fort, Modi said that he had presented the idea of ‘Sudarshana-Chakra’ in India’s security strategy.

Modi highlighted Mangaldoi as a place where the confluence of culture, historical pride, and hope for the future come together.

He noted that this region stands as a central symbol of Assam’s identity.

On this land filled with inspiration and valour, the Prime Minister said he felt blessed to have the opportunity to meet and interact with the people.

Recalling that just a few days ago, the nation celebrated the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and legendary voice Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Modi shared that he had the opportunity to participate in a grand event held in his honour yesterday.

He stated that the dreams envisioned by such great sons of Assam and by our ancestors are now being pursued with full sincerity by their governments at Union and State.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the preservation and promotion of Assam’s cultural heritage, along with its rapid development, have remained key priorities of their governments at Union and State.

He remarked that through the joint efforts of the government and the people of Assam, the state is now making a remarkable impact both nationally and globally.

“India is currently the fastest-growing country in the world, and Assam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation”, exclaimed the Prime Minister.

He recalled that there was a time when Assam lagged behind in development and struggled to keep pace with the rest of the country.

Modi noted that this is why Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his team consistently receive overwhelming public support in every election. The Prime Minister further highlighted that even in the recent panchayat elections, Assam delivered a historic victory and extended its blessings.

Emphasising that their government is working with the vision of making Assam a growth engine of India’s development, the Prime Minister remarked that today’s programme is a part of this very commitment.

“Just a short while ago, development projects worth approximately ₹6,500 crore were inaugurated from this very stage,” he said.

Modi highlighted that their Union & State governments are developing Assam as one of the most connected states and as a leading healthcare hub. “These projects will further strengthen our resolve,” he added.

Modi extended his heartiest congratulations to all of them for the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, the highway, and the ring road.

“Entire nation is moving forward in unity to build a developed India; for the youth, a developed India is not just a dream but also a resolve and the significant role of the North East in fulfilling this national resolve," he said.

He pointed out that after Independence, major cities, large economies, and industrial hubs developed primarily in western and southern India, while a vast region and population in eastern India remained behind in the race for development.

Modi affirmed that their government is now working to change this situation.

“With twenty-five years of the 21st century already passed, the next phase of this century belongs to the East and the North East," declared  Modi,  asserting that the time has come for Assam and the North East to lead India's growth story.

“Rapid connectivity is essential for the swift development of any region, that is why our government has placed strong focus on enhancing connectivity in the North East”, exclaimed Shri Modi.

He highlighted improvements in physical connectivity through road, rail, and air infrastructure, as well as digital connectivity via 5G internet and broadband.

These advancements, he noted, have brought greater convenience to the people, made life easier, and facilitated business operations.

The Prime Minister added that improved connectivity has made travel more accessible, expanded tourism, and created new employment and livelihood opportunities for the youth of the region.

Underlining that Assam has greatly benefited from the nationwide connectivity campaign, Shri Modi cited a specific example, pointing out that despite six decades of opposition rule in Delhi and decades of governance in Assam, only three bridges were constructed over the Brahmaputra River in 60–65 years.

He contrasted this with their government’s performance, noting that within just one decade, six major bridges have been built.

He announced the foundation stone laying of the Kurua–Narengi bridge, which will significantly reduce the travel time between Guwahati and Darrang to just a few minutes.

The Prime Minister highlighted that this bridge will save both time and money for the common people, make transportation more affordable, reduce travel time, and ease traffic congestion.