Guwahati, April 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Centre has sanctioned an ambitious underwater tunnel project under the Brahmaputra River near Gohpur, which is aimed at transforming connectivity in the Northeast.

Addressing a massive public rally in Assam’s Biswanath district, PM Modi said the project, estimated at Rs 18,500 crore, will significantly reduce travel distance between Gohpur and Numaligarh, ushering in a new era of seamless connectivity in the region.

He added that the tunnel will not only improve transportation but also generate substantial employment opportunities for the people of Assam.

“This project will bring a new dawn of connectivity in the Northeast and open up economic opportunities for the youth,” PM Modi said, underlining the strategic importance of the initiative.

Taking a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi remarked that the opposition leader is heading towards a “century of defeats”, while asserting that the BJP continues to enjoy strong public support.

Highlighting welfare measures, the Prime Minister said that more than 22 lakh families in Assam have already received pucca houses, with an additional 15 lakh to benefit in the coming years.

He reiterated that a “double-engine government” ensures faster and more effective delivery of schemes.

Focusing on women’s empowerment, PM Modi said around three lakh women in the state have become “Lakhpati Baideo”, and the BJP aims to increase this number to 40 lakh.

He also announced that the Orunodoi scheme will be expanded to include more women beneficiaries, calling it a key poll promise.

Among other commitments, he said the BJP plans to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam, adding that people trust the party because it fulfils its promises.

On agriculture, PM Modi said nearly 20 lakh farmers have benefited from the PM-Kisan scheme.

Addressing the state’s flood problem, he said Rs 18,000 crore will be invested to make Assam flood-free, including measures such as increasing the depth of the Subansiri River.

Highlighting infrastructure gains, PM Modi said the BJP has completed five bridges over the Brahmaputra in the last decade, with work underway on five more. He also pointed to improvements in healthcare and education, noting that medical colleges have increased from six to 14, with 10 more under construction.

Accusing the Congress of appeasement politics and neglecting Assam’s potential, PM Modi said the BJP is committed to protecting indigenous communities and ensuring development while preserving the state’s heritage.

–IANS

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