A for Assam: Modi’s Vision and a Decade of Transformation
When the history of modern Assam will be written, the last decade will stand out as a decisive break from decades of neglect. For long, the Northeast was spoken of in whispers, viewed through the narrow prism of distance, unrest and disorder. That perception has been fundamentally altered under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under his leadership, Assam has moved from the margins to the mainstream, from isolation to integration, and from uncertainty to aspiration. His visit to Assam on 17 and 18 January is not merely another official tour; it is a reaffirmation of a personal commitment to a region he proudly calls ‘Ashtalakshmi’ of India.
Leadership That Restored Trust and Direction
Governance begins with intent, and intent is visible through presence. With over 75 visits to the Northeast, more than all former Prime Ministers combined, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Assam at the highest level of national leadership.
The most powerful outcome of this approach has been the return of peace. In Assam insurgency related incidents fell from an average of 313 per year (during 2001-2015) to single digit now. Civilians and Security Force casualties have dropped by over 95%, with zero casualty reported in the last three years. Kidnappings have declined by 94%. Landmark agreements like the Bodo Peace Accord (2020), Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021), Adivasi Peace Accord (2022), DNLA Peace Agreement (2023), and the ULFA Peace Agreement (2023) have been inked, leading to over 7,500 extremists surrendering their arms and returning to the mainstream. These are not mere statistics; they reflect real peace on the ground, made possible through continuous dialogue, a deep understanding of regional aspirations, and a structured development-oriented approach.
Infrastructure as the Foundation of Aspiration
Peace created the conditions for progress, while infrastructure supplied the momentum to accelerate it. Since 2014, over 3,100 kilometres of National Highways have been built in Assam. Railway infrastructure has seen a sharp acceleration, with the pace of project commissioning doubling and budgetary allocations for Assam and the Northeast rising to more than four times the 2009-2014 average. The Brahmaputra, once a physical divide, is now a connector. For over 60 years, only three bridges were built across the river. In just the last decade, four new bridges have been constructed, with four more under construction, significantly enhancing connectivity and border security.
This momentum will gain further strength during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit. He will lay the foundation stone of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, part of the Kaliabor to Numaligarh NH-715 expansion. Designed as a wildlife-friendly elevated corridor, it ensures unhindered animal movement across the UNESCO World Heritage Site while enabling high-speed, all-weather connectivity between central and upper Assam. It reflects a development model that balances economic growth with ecological responsibility.
The Prime Minister will also virtually flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing affordable and reliable connectivity for workers, students and families, particularly during peak travel seasons. The recent approval of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Kolkata further integrates Assam into the national economic grid.
Building Tomorrow’s Assam, Today
This infrastructure drive is being sustained through a robust pipeline of future-ready projects. Fifty railway stations across Assam are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to modernise passenger infrastructure. Mega projects are underway in different phases, including the Silchar Greenfield Airport, the Guwahati Ring Road, and four major bridges, among them the Dhubri–Phulbari bridge, set to become the longest river bridge in the country.
The foundation stone for the first-ever cross-border railway link will be laid soon, connecting Kokrajhar to Gelephu Mindfulness City in Bhutan. Assam is also set to host India’s first underwater twin-tube road-rail tunnel, dramatically reducing travel time and significantly enhancing connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and other northeastern states. Together, these projects are redefining Assam’s role as a strategic connector, both within India and beyond its borders. With India’s first multimodal logistics park to be set up at Jogighopa, Assam is now poised to translate the Act East policy from intent to impact. From airports to inland waterways, the state is steadily emerging as a major logistics and connectivity hub.
From Regional Revival to Global Relevance
Improved connectivity has begun translating into tangible economic outcomes. Better roads, faster rail links, and expanded logistics networks have reduced costs, attracted investment, and strengthened Assam’s role in regional and national supply chains. According to the Reserve Bank of India, Assam is today the fastest-growing state economy, recording 45 % GSDP growth over the last five years.
Investments are flowing in, industries are taking root, and jobs are being created. Just last month, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of ₹10,601 crore Ammonia–Urea plant at Namrup. This will strengthen fertilizer security, revive industrial heritage and generate sustainable employment. The upcoming semiconductor manufacturing facility, with an investment of around ₹27,000 crore, will place Assam on the global electronics value chain, producing chips that power devices across the world. A decade ago, such ambition would have been unthinkable.
Development has also restored cultural dignity. The inscription of the Charaideo Maidams as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, classical status for the Assamese language, GI tags for several local products, and global cultural showcases such as record-breaking Bihu and Jhumoir performances reflect a conscious effort to place Assam’s heritage at the centre of India’s national narrative. This cultural resurgence will be further showcased during the Prime Minister’s visit on 17 January through the largest-ever Bagurumba performance, with over 10,000 performers, reaffirming how Assam’s living traditions are being celebrated on a national and global stage.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, “the day is not far when the children of the country will learn ‘A for Assam’.” That day is approaching. Assam today is peaceful, aspirational and globally connected. With women and youth energy taking the lead, infrastructure-led growth and cultural confidence reinforcing one another, we are steadily marching towards a Viksit Assam, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Writer – Pabitra Margherita, MoS External Affairs & Textiles
