KOKRAJHAR/GUWAHATI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Assam today to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for massive infrastructure and energy projects totaling over Rs 47,800 crore.
The visit focuses on transforming the North-East into a regional energy hub while significantly boosting road and rail connectivity.
Major Infrastructure Highlights:
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Energy Security: PM Modi will dedicate the 150 MW Kopili Hydropower Project (Rs 2,300 crore) and Phase 1 of the Northeast Gas Grid, connecting Guwahati to Itanagar and Dimapur.
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Refinery Expansion: The Numaligarh-Siliguri Pipeline capacity enhancement will be dedicated, supporting the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA.
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Rail & Road Push: The PM will flag off three new train services and perform the Bhoomi Poojan for Assam Mala 3.0, a road project worth over Rs 3,200 crore.
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Bodo Territorial Council (BTC): Six road projects, including four flyovers and two bridges (Rs 1,100 crore), will see foundation stones laid in the BTC area.
Strategic & Social Impact:
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Cross-Border Support: The Numaligarh Refinery continues to supply critical diesel to Bangladesh via a cross-border pipeline, aiding the neighbor amidst global energy disruptions.
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Tea Garden Welfare: In Guwahati, the PM will symbolically hand over land pattas (land rights) to eligible tea garden workers, a major social security milestone for the community.
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Employment: A new Periodic Overhauling (POH) workshop in Kokrajhar is expected to create significant local jobs and improve railway maintenance.
