PM Narendra Modi Unveils and Lays Foundation for ₹24,000 Crore Projects in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to Assam ahead of the state assembly elections and announced several development initiatives for the region. During his visit, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth more than ₹24,000 crore. The initiatives focus on improving infrastructure, energy, transport, and welfare for local communities, especially tea garden workers who have long awaited legal land ownership rights.

Land Ownership Certificates for Tea Gardens Workers

One of the most significant announcements during the visit was the distribution of land ownership certificates to workers living in tea gardens across Assam. For nearly two centuries, many of these workers lived in labour lines without legal ownership of the land.

• Around 3.5 lakh families in 825 tea gardens will benefit from the initiative.
• The certificates will give workers legal rights over the land where they live.
• This move is considered a major step toward improving the living conditions and social security of tea garden communities.

Addressing the workers, Prime Minister Modi said the initiative aims to correct a historic injustice faced by the tea garden community.

Importance of Tea Tribes and Adivasis in Assam

Tea tribes and Adivasi communities make up nearly 20% of Assam’s population. They also play a significant role in the state’s politics, as they influence voting in around 35 out of 126 assembly constituencies. Because of their large population and influence, welfare measures for this community are often a major political focus in the state.

Release of PM-KISAN Scheme Installment

During the event, Modi also released the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

• ₹2,000 was transferred directly to each eligible farmer.
• More than 9.3 crore farmers across India received the benefit.
• The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s digital system allows money to be transferred directly to millions of farmers quickly and transparently.

Major Infrastructure Projects Announced

Several large infrastructure and development projects were inaugurated or launched during the visit. These projects aim to strengthen Assam’s economy and improve connectivity in the northeast.

Key projects include:

• Kopili Hydro Electric Project worth over ₹2,300 crore to boost power generation.
• Capacity enhancement of the Numaligarh–Siliguri product pipeline of Oil India Limited.
• Phase 1 of the North East Gas Grid, connecting cities such as Guwahati, Numaligarh, Gohpur, Itanagar, and Dimapur.

These projects are expected to strengthen the energy infrastructure and improve industrial development in the region.

Railway and Transport Development

The Prime Minister also inaugurated important railway electrification projects to improve transportation and reduce travel time.

Major railway projects include:

• Rangiya–Murkongselek railway line (558 km) electrification
• Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh railway line (571 km) electrification
• Electrification of Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari railway routes

The total cost of these railway developments is nearly ₹2,250 crore.

Boost to Waterways and Tourism

To improve river transport and tourism in the region, the government also launched several waterways projects.

• Foundation stones for cruise terminals at Bishwanath Ghat and Neamati
• Launch of a Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh for maritime training and research

These initiatives aim to strengthen the inland waterways sector in Assam.

Launch of PM Ekta Mall in Guwahati

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the PM Ekta Mall in Guwahati, which will act as a commercial and tourism hub.

The mall will showcase:

• ODOP (One District One Product) items
• GI-tagged products
• Traditional handicrafts and handloom products from Assam and other Indian states

The mall is expected to help promote local artisans and attract tourists.

Projects Announced for Bodoland Region

Earlier in the day, Modi also virtually launched projects in Kokrajhar after bad weather prevented his physical visit. During the event, he spoke about the importance of peace and development in the Bodoland region and highlighted the role of the Bodo Peace Accord in bringing stability.