In a landmark visit to Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of key infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,450 crore in Dibrugarh as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost regional connectivity and economic development in the Northeast. Signaling a growing emphasis on strategic infrastructure in the region, PM Modi also made history by landing on Assam’s first highway runway, located near Lilabari, underscoring the dual-use potential of national highways for both civilian and military applications.
According to the Economic Times article titled “PM Modi lands on Assam’s first highway runway, unveils ₹5,450 crore projects in Dibrugarh,” the Prime Minister arrived aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, utilizing the recently developed highway airstrip—a unique feature designed to bolster emergency preparedness and operational flexibility. This move is part of a broader vision to integrate infrastructure development with national security considerations, a theme that has gained prominence in recent years.
Among the projects unveiled, several focus on enhancing connectivity within the region, including the launch of roadways and energy sector initiatives. The Prime Minister emphasized that such developments are critical not only for local economic growth but also for integrating the Northeast more fully with the rest of the country. He reiterated the central government’s commitment to “Act East,” a policy aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia through improved infrastructure and trade corridors across the Northeast.
PM Modi highlighted that the new infrastructure projects are expected to catalyze job creation, improve logistics, and attract investment. He also spoke of the government’s broader ambition of transforming the region into a hub of commerce and innovation by leveraging its strategic location and rich natural resources.
Dibrugarh, known as the gateway to eastern Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, holds particular significance in the government’s infrastructure blueprint. With the commissioning of these projects, the region is poised to see improvements in vehicular mobility, energy access, and industrial development—all key drivers of long-term economic resilience.
This announcement comes amid concerted efforts by the Centre to ramp up capital expenditure on infrastructure across India, with the Northeast receiving renewed focus. The government has also sought to ensure that development projects in the region are both rapid and inclusive, addressing longstanding challenges related to geography, connectivity, and economic isolation.
As India continues to position the Northeast as a linchpin in its strategic and economic pursuits, Monday’s events in Dibrugarh signal more than just ribbon cuttings—they mark a stepped-up campaign to integrate infrastructure with national priorities, aiming to anchor growth in one of the most geopolitically sensitive and economically promising regions of the country.
