Silchar, March 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Saturday that the Barak Valley in southern Assam is becoming a vital link for connecting India with Southeast Asia. He criticized the Congress party for its longstanding neglect of this region since Independence.

During a public address in Silchar, the Prime Minister noted that Barak Valley was once a significant center for trade but lost its strategic position due to the policies implemented during the Congress rule.

“In the past, Barak Valley enjoyed robust trade connections, but post-Independence, the Congress's boundary decisions severed the region from its sea routes. These erroneous choices deprived the area of its economic vitality,” PM Modi stated.

He pointed out that despite having governed both the country and the state for many years, the Congress did not prioritize the development of Barak Valley.

“After years in power, the Congress has failed to uplift this region. However, the current double-engine government is dedicated to transforming Barak Valley into a developed area,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Focusing on infrastructure advancements, PM Modi highlighted the historic moment of laying the foundation stone for the Silchar–Shillong high-speed corridor.

This project, which involves an investment exceeding Rs 24,000 crore, will be the Northeast's first access-controlled high-speed expressway.

“This expressway will meet the aspirations of the Northeast's population, significantly enhance connectivity, and accelerate regional development,” he asserted.

According to the Prime Minister, the corridor will fortify connections between Assam and neighboring northeastern states, such as Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur, thereby boosting trade, travel, and economic activities.

“With enhanced connectivity, Barak Valley is set to become a key hub for interactions with Southeast Asia. This will lead to flourishing tourism and the creation of new economic opportunities for the residents,” PM Modi added.

Additionally, the Prime Minister underscored the Centre's commitment to improving railway infrastructure in the Northeast.

“Under the double-engine government, substantial efforts have been made to bolster railway connectivity in the region. Over 2,500 kilometers of railway lines in the Northeast have already been electrified,” he noted.

He further mentioned that the railway lines in Barak Valley will also undergo electrification, which will further enhance connectivity and foster economic growth in the region.