Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Assam Visit Focuses on Major Infrastructure Launches
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh this Saturday, marking a significant moment for Northeast India's aviation and defense capabilities. During his landing, the Prime Minister will witness an impressive aerial display featuring fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters, showcasing the strategic importance of this facility.
First-of-its-Kind Emergency Landing Facility in Northeast
The ELF represents a pioneering achievement as the first such infrastructure in Northeast India, developed in close coordination with the Indian Air Force. This facility is specifically designed to support emergency landings and take-offs for both military and civil aircraft, enhancing operational flexibility and safety in the region. Its establishment underscores the government's commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure in remote and strategic areas.
Inauguration of the Landmark Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu Bridge
During his day-long visit to Assam, Prime Minister Modi will officially inaugurate the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a monumental bridge spanning the Brahmaputra River to connect Guwahati and North Guwahati. This six-lane extradosed prestressed concrete (PSC) bridge, constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 3,030 crore, is the first of its kind in Northeast India.
Key features of the bridge include:
- Expected to drastically reduce travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to just about seven minutes.
- Incorporates advanced base isolation technology using friction pendulum bearings to withstand the region's high seismic risk.
- Utilizes high-performance stay cables to ensure enhanced durability and long-term structural performance, making it a model for future infrastructure projects in earthquake-prone zones.
Boosting Higher Education with IIM Guwahati Campus Inauguration
In a move aimed at elevating educational standards in the Northeast, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the temporary campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati. This initiative is anticipated to significantly boost higher and management education in the region, providing students with access to world-class academic resources and fostering economic growth through skilled workforce development.
Launch of Electric Buses Under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme
As part of his visit, the Prime Minister will flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, distributing them across four cities to promote sustainable urban mobility. The allocation includes:
- Guwahati: 100 buses
- Nagpur: 50 buses
- Bhavnagar: 50 buses
- Chandigarh: 25 buses
This initiative is projected to benefit over 50 lakh citizens by improving access to clean, affordable, and efficient public transport, aligning with national goals for environmental sustainability and urban development.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure with National Data Centre
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region, located at Amingaon in Kamrup district. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to host critical government applications and serve as a disaster recovery centre, featuring a sanctioned load of 8.5 MW and an average rack capacity of 10 kW per rack.
The data centre is expected to play a pivotal role in:
- Strengthening the region's digital infrastructure to support economic and social initiatives.
- Enhancing the delivery of citizen services under the Digital India initiative, ensuring faster and more reliable access to government resources.
- Providing a robust backbone for technological advancements and data security in the Northeast.
This comprehensive visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights a concerted effort to accelerate development in Assam and the broader Northeast region through strategic investments in transportation, education, clean energy, and digital connectivity.
