Guwahati, Dec 6: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in a decade of transformation in Northeast India through strategic governance and developmental politics.
Sonowal highlighted a 300% increase in budget outlay for the region and significant progress in infrastructure, connectivity, and economic rejuvenation during a press conference on the achievements of the NDA government.
Sonowal credited PM Modi’s leadership for breaking decades of inertia and neglect under previous governments. He emphasized the annual budget outlay for the Northeast increased from ₹36,108 crore in 2014 to ₹94,680 crore in FY 2023-24.
He said a 28% rise in National Highway (NH) projects, with the number of NHs increasing from 80 in 2014 to 103 in 2023. Railways expanded by commissioning over 193 km of rail lines annually, achieving 100% electrification of broad gauge.
He also said the railway budget saw a 370% increase. Operational airports in the region increased from 9 to 17, resulting in a 113% boost in weekly flights.
He further said over 7,000 villages now have access to piped drinking water. A 39% increase in universities, with initiatives to promote organic farming on over 1.55 lakh hectares of land.
Sonowal highlighted the renewed focus on inland waterways under PM Modi’s leadership, particularly the Brahmaputra River (National Waterways 2). The revival of the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) has enhanced trade potential with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Sonowal accused Congress of decades of neglect and corruption, stating, “Congress must apologize to the people of the Northeast.” He contrasted this with the current era of peace and progress, highlighting improvements in law and order and opportunities for Northeast athletes on global platforms.
Sonowal emphasized PM Modi’s vision of transforming the Northeast into a growth engine for India’s aspirations of becoming Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant). He noted that through good governance, the region has shifted from neglect to a model of development, inspiring confidence and pride among its citizens.
