Jorhat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 17,500 crores for Assam at a function held in Jorhat today. These projects relate to the health, oil and gas, rail, and housing sectors.

Unveiling a statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, Modi asserted, “Veer Lachit Borphukan is the symbol of Assam’s valor and determination”. Modi participated in an Ahom ritual for the unveiling of the 125-foot bronze statue. The Prime Minister also recalled celebrating Borphukan's 400th birth anniversary in 2002 in New Delhi and bowed before the brave warrior.

He emphasized the importance of the state's rapid progress in infrastructure, health, and energy sectors. The Prime Minister also highlighted the Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline, which will connect the Northeastern grid with the national grid and supply gas to 30 lakh homes and over 600 CNG stations.

He also congratulated 5.5 lakh families who received their pucca houses, highlighting the importance of strong intentions for development.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the large crowd and 2 lakh people joining the event, according to an official release. He highlighted the importance of the people's love and affection for his biggest asset, the people.

He also visited Kaziranga National Park, a unique national park and tiger reserve, and highlighted its biodiversity and ecosystem. During the visit, the Prime Minister highlighted the presence of 70% of single-horned rhinos and wildlife such as swamp deer, tiger, elephant, and wild buffalo. The park has seen a reduction in rhino hunting due to government efforts. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted Assam's progress in infrastructure, health, and energy sectors, mentioning the upcoming AIIMS, Tinsukia Medical College, Sivasagar Medical College, and Cancer Hospital in Jorhat

In Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister unveiled development projects worth Rs 55,600 crore for various Northeastern states in a massive public program. These included the centre's new flagship project for the North East – the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, 2024 (UNNATI – 2024) which has a financial outlay of Rs 10,037 crore over 10 years. The union cabinet gave the nod for this project earlier this week.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Sela Tunnel project in Arunachal Pradesh executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The PM had laid the foundation stone for the project in 2019. At Itanagar, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

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