PM Modi Unveils Rs 18,500 Crore Underwater Tunnel for Assam's Transformation

Addressing a public rally in Biswanath, the Prime Minister said that where people were once struck by backwardness, they are now pleasantly surprised by the state's development. He highlighted advancements in infrastructure, noting that highways in Assam are now capable of handling fighter jet landings, reflecting rapid progress in connectivity.

"Until 10 years ago, when anyone came to Assam, they would be stunned to see the state's backwardness. But today, seeing Assam's connectivity, people are filled with joy, experiencing a positive kind of astonishment. Just a short while ago, the world also saw those highways in Assam where fighter jets are landing," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister said the Bharatiya Janata Party is working to address key challenges such as floods and land erosion in the state. He added that projects worth hundreds of crores are underway, and an additional Rs 18,000 crore has been proposed for further protection measures.

"The BJP is making honest efforts to address another major problem of Assam. This problem is of floods, of land erosion. Currently, work is underway on schemes worth hundreds of crores for this. The Assam BJP has announced that an additional Rs 18,000 crores will be spent for protection against floods and land erosion," said PM Modi.

On women's empowerment, PM Modi said that in the last 10-11 years, notable work has been done in ensuring women's safety, enhancing their income, and improving access to education. He said that under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, several women in Assam have achieved financial independence, with a target to increase the number to 40 lakh in the future.

"In the past 10-11 years, whether it is women's safety, their earnings, or their education, unprecedented work has been done at every level. Under the Lakhpati Didi Abhiyan, lakhs of sisters in Assam have become lakhpati. The 'Sankalp Patra' released by the BJP declares that in the time to come, we will make 40 lakh sisters Lakhpati Didis," said PM Modi.

Emphasising the role of youth, he said that development of roads, bridges, and modern rail connectivity will boost agriculture, industry, and tourism, thereby generating employment opportunities.

"Our youth have a very big role in the construction of a developed Assam. For this, Assam needs good roads, good bridges, and modern rail connectivity. This also benefits agriculture, industries, and boosts tourism. These are the sectors where employment opportunities are created in large numbers for the youth, for sons and daughters," he said.

Announcing a major infrastructure project, the Prime Minister said the Centre has approved the construction of an underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River at an estimated cost of Rs 18,500 crore.

"Now I want to share another piece of good news with you. You have seen fighter jets landing on highways--now vehicles will also pass beneath the waters of the Brahmaputra River. The river will flow above, and vehicles will run underneath. The central government has approved the construction of an underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra. Around Rs 18,500 crore will be spent on this project," he said.

He said the project will reduce the distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur, improve connectivity across Assam and the Northeast, and also create employment opportunities during its construction.

"This investment will be made in Assam, and the people there will benefit from it. Once completed, the distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur will be reduced. It will also improve connectivity across Assam and the rest of the Northeast. Not only will it be beneficial after completion, but it will also generate many jobs during construction," he said.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly.

The BJP is contesting the elections with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF).

The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power.

- ANI