Prime Minister: Assam Prepares for a Historic Blend of Culture and Development During Visit
Prime Minister : Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the northeastern state of Assam for a two-day programme that brings together cultural celebration and large-scale infrastructure development. The visit, planned for January 17 and 18, reflects a continued focus on preserving regional heritage while accelerating economic growth and connectivity in the Northeast.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary highlights two important dimensions of governance: respect for indigenous culture and investment in future-ready infrastructure. From a massive cultural gathering in Guwahati to the foundation laying of a strategically significant highway project near Kaziranga, the visit is expected to leave a lasting impact on the state.
Cultural Celebration in Guwahati
On the evening of January 17, the Prime Minister will arrive in Guwahati to attend a grand cultural programme at Sarusajai Stadium. The event is designed as a large-scale showcase of Bodo traditions and is expected to draw thousands of performers and spectators from across Assam.
The programme has been planned as a symbol of cultural unity and pride, highlighting the richness of indigenous art forms. It also underlines the government’s emphasis on giving national and international visibility to regional cultures that form the backbone of India’s diversity.
Significance of Bagurumba Dohou 2026
The focal point of the cultural evening is Bagurumba Dohou 2026, an ambitious and carefully coordinated presentation dedicated to the heritage of the Bodo community. More than 10,000 artistes are expected to perform the Bagurumba dance together in a single synchronized display, making it one of the largest cultural performances ever organized in the state.
Participants will represent 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts, turning the event into a truly statewide effort. Such a scale not only demonstrates organizational capacity but also reflects the collective enthusiasm of the Bodo people to celebrate and preserve their traditions in a modern format.
Understanding the Bagurumba Dance Tradition
Bagurumba is among the most recognizable folk dances of the Bodo community. Traditionally performed by young women, the dance is accompanied by men playing musical instruments. The movements are inspired by elements of nature such as birds, butterflies, leaves, and flowers, giving the performance a graceful and symbolic character.
The dance represents fertility, happiness, peace, and harmony with the natural world. It is closely associated with important Bodo festivals, including Bwisagu, which marks the Bodo New Year, and Domasi. By presenting Bagurumba on such a large मंच, the event reinforces cultural continuity while adapting it to a contemporary audience.
Infrastructure Push Near Kaziranga
On the morning of January 18, the Prime Minister will travel to Kaliabor to lay the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project. Valued at more than Rs 6,950 crore, this project is considered one of the most important infrastructure initiatives in Assam in recent years.
The project involves the four-laning of the Kaliabor to Numaligarh section of National Highway 715, covering a total length of 86 kilometers. It has been designed with a strong focus on environmental sensitivity, given its proximity to ecologically fragile zones.
Balancing Development and Wildlife Conservation
A key feature of the project is a 35-kilometer elevated wildlife corridor passing through Kaziranga National Park. This elevated stretch is intended to allow the free movement of animals while reducing accidents and human-animal conflict, an issue that has long concerned conservationists and local communities.
In addition to the elevated corridor, the project includes 21 kilometers of bypasses and 30 kilometers of highway widening. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve road connectivity across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts, boosting tourism, trade, and regional mobility without compromising ecological balance.
Strengthening Rail Connectivity
During the same programme, the Prime Minister will also flag off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains will operate on the Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Rohtak route and the Dibrugarh to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) route.
The introduction of these services is aimed at improving long-distance rail connectivity between the Northeast and northern India. Better rail links are expected to support economic integration, make travel more convenient, and enhance access to markets, education, and employment opportunities for people from the region.
A Visit with Long-Term Impact
Overall, the two-day visit combines cultural recognition with forward-looking development initiatives. By celebrating Bodo heritage on a grand stage and simultaneously launching projects that improve transport infrastructure, the programme reflects a balanced approach to growth.
For Assam, the visit is not just ceremonial. It signals continued national attention toward the Northeast, reinforcing the idea that cultural identity and modern infrastructure can progress together, creating sustainable and inclusive development for the region.