Opinion | Double-Engine Drive: Powering Assam As India’s Growth Hub And Southeast Asia Gateway

With continued focus on connectivity, investment and inclusion, the state is poised to lead the Northeast into a new era of prosperity

Once challenged by geographical isolation and limited connectivity, Assam has emerged as the gateway to India’s Northeast and Southeast Asia under the visionary “Act East Policy" of the Modi government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on equitable development, robust infrastructure, peace-building and people-centric welfare has delivered transformative results.

From massive investments in roads and railways to ground-breaking peace accords and record-breaking economic inflows, Assam is witnessing a golden era of progress. Recent visits by PM Modi in March 2026 alone saw the inauguration and foundation-laying of projects worth over Rs 47,000 crore across Kokrajhar, Silchar and Guwahati, underscoring the BJP government’s unwavering commitment

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This is not mere rhetoric but a reality backed by tangible outcomes. National Highways in Assam have expanded by over 3,100 km since 2014. Railway budgets for the Northeast have quadrupled compared to pre-2014 levels, with the pace of project commissioning doubling. The Brahmaputra river, once a barrier, now symbolises connectivity, with four new bridges completed in the last decade — more than in the previous 60 years combined — with several more under construction.

These efforts align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", ensuring Assam’s people, from tea garden workers to tribal communities, benefit directly. Infrastructure development has been the cornerstone of the double-engine BJP government’s strategy for Assam. In March 2026, PM Modi virtually participated in the Bhoomi Poojan of Assam Mala 3.0, a Rs 3,200 crore initiative to construct over 900 km of roads, enhancing inter-state connectivity and linking national highways to rural areas. In Kokrajhar, projects worth Rs 4,570 crore were launched, including over Rs 1,100 crore for road networks in the Bodoland Territorial Council, with four flyovers and two bridges.

In Silchar, projects worth Rs 23,550 crore were inaugurated, including the Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor, the first access-controlled greenfield four-lane high-speed corridor in the Northeast. This 166 km project will revolutionise connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam. Additional highlights include railway electrification, the North East Gas Grid, and the Kapili Hydro-Electric Project (120 MW). In Guwahati, another Rs 19,480 crore package covered energy, hydrocarbons, shipping and railways, including the Ekta Mall at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre to promote local arts, crafts and tourism.

The Modi government completed full gauge conversion across the Northeast, connecting Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram to the broad-gauge network for the first time. New trains flagged off in Kokrajhar, such as the Kamakhya-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Express and Narangi-Agartala Express, have improved passenger services. The iconic Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge, completed in 2018, stands as a symbol of this era. Air connectivity has also soared, with Northeast airports increasing from 9 in 2014 to 19 operational today. The Silchar Greenfield Airport and the Northeast’s first Highway Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran bypass enhance both civilian and strategic capabilities.

Energy security has received a massive boost. The North East Gas Grid, refinery expansions at Numaligarh (elevated to Navratna status with Assam’s equity share rising to 26 per cent) and Bongaigaon (to 2.7 MMTPA), and the Rs 10,600 crore Namrup Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project are powering industrial growth. A one-of-its-kind bamboo-based 2G bio-ethanol plant (Rs 4,200 crore) and the Rs 27,000 crore Tata OSAT semiconductor facility in Jagiroad highlight Assam’s shift towards green and high-tech industries. These projects have not only created thousands of jobs but also positioned Assam as a key player in India’s energy transition and digital future.

One of the most remarkable achievements is the restoration of lasting peace in Assam. The Modi government’s proactive engagement led to a series of historic accords, namely the Bodo Peace Agreement (2020), Karbi Peace Agreement (2021), Adivasi Peace Agreement (2022), DNLA Peace Agreement (2023) and the ULFA (pro-talk) Memorandum of Settlement (December 2023). These agreements have ended decades of violence, with over 10,800 armed cadres surrendering and joining the mainstream. Youth who once faced uncertainty now embrace education, skills and entrepreneurship.

PM Modi has repeatedly highlighted how peace has unlocked Assam’s true potential, allowing festivals like Bagurumba Dwhou to celebrate culture without fear. Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in February 2025 attracted investment proposals worth over Rs 5 lakh crore through 296 MoUs, spanning semiconductors, energy, IT, healthcare and food processing. Assam recorded one of India’s highest GSDP growth rates, expanding 45 per cent between FY20 and FY25 — outpacing the national average and achieving a remarkable 19.5 per cent year-on-year surge in FY23.

The tea industry, Assam’s pride, has received special attention. Over 3.5 lakh tea garden families received land rights. Schemes like Mukhya Mantri Eti Koli Duti Paat have honoured lakhs of workers with financial support. The BJP government procured millions of metric tonnes of paddy, mustard and maize at supportive prices. GI tags for 35 products, including Joha rice and Kaji Nemu, have boosted global recognition. Tea exports now enjoy tariff-free access in 27 countries, providing a major fillip to growers and traders. Agriculture has been strengthened through PM-KISAN, with over Rs 20,000 crore transferred directly to Assam farmers’ accounts. Irrigation projects like the completed Dhansiri scheme benefit thousands of hectares. Fisheries production has touched record levels at over 5.3 lakh metric tonnes.

The Rs 500 crore special package for Moran, Matak, Chutia and Ahom communities has preserved indigenous culture while driving infrastructure and livelihoods. Welfare schemes have reached millions in Assam with remarkable efficiency. Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), over 30 lakh houses have been sanctioned and 22 lakh completed, with a significant number owned by women. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided over 50 lakh free LPG connections, empowering women and reducing drudgery.

Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, converged with state schemes, covers over 1.7 crore beneficiaries, with claims worth Rs 2,400 crore settled. Assam now boasts South Asia’s largest cancer care network with 17 specialised hospitals and the prestigious AIIMS Guwahati (Rs 1,100 crore investment, 750 beds). Dialysis infrastructure has expanded dramatically from 128 to 407 machines, enabling over 10 lakh sessions. Free diagnostics and life-saving surgeries (including thousands of heart and cleft procedures) have saved countless lives.

Farmers benefit immensely from PM Fasal Bima Yojana (claims worth Rs 600 crore paid) and Kisan Credit Cards (over 1.64 lakh issued). Over 9 lakh farmers received PM-KISAN instalments. Land pattas have been distributed to over 28,000 tea workers, while tribal families under Mission Basundhara have secured property rights and dignity. Medical colleges in Assam are set to reach 24, positioning the State as a hub for medical education and health tourism. IIM Guwahati has been inaugurated, alongside new engineering colleges and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (17 sanctioned, several operational). Eight indigenous languages have been notified as mediums of instruction, preserving diversity while promoting access.

Tourism projects worth Rs 468 crore have been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. The PM Ekta Mall and initiatives in Dima Hasao promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage. Kaziranga and other biodiversity hotspots are gaining global attention through better connectivity. Cultural festivals and packages for indigenous communities celebrate Assam’s rich tapestry.

The double-engine government’s holistic approach of combining hard infrastructure with soft power has placed Assam on an irreversible path of progress. From fighter jets landing on highways to high-speed corridors slicing through hills, from peace accords healing old wounds to semiconductor plants heralding a high-tech future, every initiative reflects a deep commitment to Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Assam is no longer on the periphery; it is at the heart of India’s growth engine. With continued focus on connectivity, investment and inclusion, the state is poised to lead the Northeast into a new era of prosperity. Prime Minister Modi’s vision has not only built roads and bridges but also bridged hearts and aspirations. As Assam shines brighter, it inspires the entire nation with its resilience, culture and boundless potential.

(Sanju Verma is an economist, national spokesperson of the BJP and the bestselling author of ‘The Modi Gambit’. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.)

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