Guwahati, March 14 (NationPress) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to conduct the Bhoomi Poojan for the Shillong–Silchar Corridor this Saturday. This marks the initiation of Northeast India's very first access-controlled Greenfield four-lane high-speed corridor.

As per officials, the corridor will cover a distance of 166 km with an anticipated expenditure of around ₹22,860 crore. This initiative aims to significantly improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam.

Upon its completion, the corridor is expected to shorten the journey between Guwahati and Silchar, reducing travel time from the current 8.5 hours to about 5 hours.

This enhanced connectivity is projected to stimulate economic activity, promote seamless movement of goods and individuals, and fortify cross-border trade within the region.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will perform the Bhoomi Poojan for an Elevated Corridor on National Highway-306 in Silchar. The proposed corridor will extend from Trunk Road near Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point (Phase-I).

This elevated corridor aims to alleviate congestion in one of Silchar’s most trafficked areas while improving urban mobility.

The project is also expected to bolster connectivity between Assam and its neighboring states, including Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur, thereby aiding in the economic growth of the Barak Valley region.

Moreover, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a new College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Sribhumi district.

This educational institution is anticipated to enhance the agricultural education and research framework in Assam. It will offer students from the Barak Valley and surrounding areas access to top-notch agricultural education and modern research amenities, promoting innovation and skill development within the agricultural sector.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for development projects valued at around ₹19,480 crore in Guwahati.

During a grand event in Guwahati, he extended warm greetings to the city’s residents, as well as to farmers from across the nation and individuals working in tea gardens.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for being on the revered land of Maa Kamakhya just before Navratri.

"I have been fortunate to receive your darshan on this sacred land of Maa Kamakhya, just ahead of Navratri," remarked PM Modi.

He emphasized that with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, the initiation of development projects worth ₹19,500 crore took place shortly thereafter.

PM Modi highlighted that Assam has been allocated a diverse range of projects, from those aimed at achieving self-reliance in the energy sector to enhancements that improve the convenience for visitors to the state.

The Prime Minister articulated that Assam plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the country’s renewable energy commitments.

He noted that the Lower Kopili Hydro Power Project will serve not only Assam but the entire Northeast region.

"These projects worth thousands of crores are opening new employment opportunities for the youth of Assam and boosting the state's prosperity," asserted PM Modi.