PM Modi Launches ₹24,000-Crore Projects in Silchar, Lays Foundation for Northeast’s First High-Speed Corridor
Shillong–Silchar corridor, NH-306 elevated road and new agriculture college set to transform Barak Valley into a major logistics and trade hub.
Silchar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for development projects worth nearly ₹24,000 crore in Silchar, Assam. The key highlight of the visit was the Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, which will become Northeast India’s first access-controlled greenfield four-lane highway.
During the event, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for an elevated corridor on National Highway 306, stretching from Trunk Road near Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point in Silchar (Phase-1). In addition, he inaugurated the construction of a new agriculture college in Patharkandi, located in Karimganj District.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said that infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores related to connectivity in Barak Valley and the Northeast are being launched and inaugurated.
He stated that roads, railway connectivity and the agriculture college would collectively help transform the Barak Valley into a major logistics and trade hub in Northeast India, creating numerous employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
Silchar: Gateway of Barak Valley
In his speech, the Prime Minister described Silchar as the “Gateway of Barak Valley.” He highlighted that the region represents a unique blend of history, culture and entrepreneurship, with people speaking Bengali, Assamese and several tribal languages.
Modi said this diversity is a major strength of the region and contributes to its continued development.
He also emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s “double-engine government” is working continuously to revive Barak Valley as a major center of trade and business.
High-Speed Corridor to Transform Connectivity
Speaking about the Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, Modi said the project, worth nearly ₹24,000 crore, is not just a highway project but the end of a decades-long wait for better connectivity in the Northeast.
The corridor will improve connectivity between Silchar and neighbouring states such as Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura.
He added that the region also connects to Bangladesh and Myanmar, and further to the large markets of Southeast Asia, making Barak Valley strategically important for future trade and economic expansion.
Land Rights for Tea Garden Workers
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the large number of workers associated with Assam’s tea gardens. He praised the efforts of the Government of Assam for granting land rights to thousands of families connected to tea plantations.
According to Modi, providing land ownership has brought security and dignity to these families, marking an important step toward improving their future.
Congratulating the state government, he said the decision recognizes the centuries-long contribution of generations who have worked in tea gardens for nearly 200 years, giving due respect to their struggle and dedication.
