Guwahati: Northeast is now not far from ‘Dil’ and ‘Dilli’( heart and Delhi), said PM Modi dedicating two new Amrit Bharat trains from Assam to other parts of the country in Koliabor in Assam. PM Modi remarked that the greatest pain of the North East has always been distance—distance of hearts and distance of places. He said that for decades, people of the region felt that development was happening elsewhere and they were being left behind, which affected not only the economy but also trust. He highlighted that their party, through the Governments at Union and State, have changed this sentiment by prioritizing the development of the North East. He noted that work began simultaneously to connect Assam through roadways, railways, airways and waterways.
Emphasizing that expanding rail connectivity benefits both social and economic levels, making it crucial for the North East, PM Modi criticized the Congress party for neglecting this, pointing out that when they were in power at the Centre, Assam received only about ₹2,000 crore in the rail budget, whereas under his government this has been increased to nearly ₹10,000 crore annually—five times more. PM Modi stated that this enhanced investment has led to large-scale infrastructure development, with new rail lines, doubling and electrification boosting railway capacity and passenger facilities.
The Prime Minister announced the launch of three new train services from Kaliabor, marking a significant expansion in Assam’s rail connectivity. He said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will connect Guwahati to Kolkata, making long-distance travel more comfortable, while two Amrit Bharat Express trains will cover important stations across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, directly benefiting lakhs of passengers. PM Modi underlined that these trains will connect Assam’s traders to new markets, provide students easier access to educational opportunities and simplify travel across different parts of the country. He remarked that such connectivity expansion builds confidence that the North East is no longer on the margins of development, no longer distant, but close to the heart and close to Delhi.
PM Modi also highlighted that Assam’s development is opening new doors for the progress of the entire North East and is giving direction to the Act East Policy. He emphasized that when Assam advances, the North East advances and with the government’s efforts and the trust of the people, the region will reach new heights. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister once again congratulated everyone on the projects inaugurated today.
