Infrastructure – PM Modi to Unveil Key Projects in Assam
Infrastructure – Assam is set for a significant day in its development journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Dibrugarh on Saturday to mark the launch of major infrastructure and public service initiatives across the state. His visit will begin with a landing at the newly developed Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Bypass, where he is scheduled to observe an aerial demonstration involving fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters.
Emergency Landing Facility Marks Strategic Milestone
The Emergency Landing Facility, developed in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, is the first installation of its kind in Northeast India. Designed to function during emergencies, the stretch can accommodate both military and civilian aircraft for landing and take-off operations. Officials say the facility will play a vital role in disaster response, ensuring rapid movement of rescue teams and relief supplies during floods, earthquakes or other emergencies common to the region.
Engineered as dual-use infrastructure, the airstrip can support fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes. The project is seen as strengthening both national security readiness and regional disaster management capabilities.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister is expected to land at the facility around 10:30 AM before proceeding to other engagements in the state.
Inspection of New Brahmaputra Bridge
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will visit the newly completed Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over the Brahmaputra River. Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3,030 crore, the six-lane bridge links Guwahati with North Guwahati and is the first extradosed prestressed concrete bridge of its kind in the Northeast.
The bridge is expected to reduce travel time between the two sides of the city to approximately seven minutes, offering substantial relief to daily commuters. Given Assam’s seismic sensitivity, engineers incorporated base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings to enhance structural resilience. High-performance stay cables have been installed to ensure durability and long-term stability.
A Bridge Health Monitoring System has also been integrated, allowing real-time tracking of the structure’s condition and early detection of potential issues, aimed at improving safety and extending service life.
Major Development Projects Worth Rs 5,450 Crore
At Lachit Ghat in Guwahati, the Prime Minister will formally inaugurate and flag off development projects collectively valued at over Rs 5,450 crore. These initiatives span connectivity upgrades, higher education expansion, digital infrastructure development and urban transport improvements.
Among the key projects is the National Data Centre for the northeastern region, established at Amingaon in Kamrup district. The facility, with a sanctioned power load of 8.5 MW and an average rack capacity of 10 kW, is designed to host critical government applications. It will also function as a disaster recovery centre supporting other national data centres.
Officials state that the centre will strengthen digital service delivery across the Northeast, enabling secure and uninterrupted access to citizen-focused government platforms in line with the Digital India initiative.
Boost to Higher Education and Urban Mobility
The inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management in Guwahati is another key highlight of the visit. The institute is expected to enhance access to advanced management education in the region and support the growth of skilled professionals.
In addition, more than 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will be rolled out across four cities — Guwahati, Nagpur, Bhavnagar and Chandigarh. Guwahati will receive 100 buses, while Nagpur and Bhavnagar will each receive 50, and Chandigarh 25. Authorities estimate that over five million residents will benefit from improved public transport services, with an emphasis on clean energy and affordability.
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader effort to strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity and modernize public services across Assam and the wider Northeast region.