Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Barak Valley region of Assam on March 14 to lay the foundation stone for a Rs 22,000 crore expressway project. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening infrastructure development in Northeast India.

Panchgram–Barapani Expressway to Transform Regional Connectivity

One of the key projects to be launched is the ambitious Panchgram to Barapani (Silchar–Shillong) Express Highway. This proposed high-speed corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the Barak Valley and Guwahati to approximately four and a half hours.

According to the Chief Minister, the tender process has been completed, clearance from the Wildlife Board has been secured, and land acquisition work is progressing steadily. With these formalities largely addressed, construction is set to begin soon.

The Rs 22,000 crore expressway is expected to dramatically improve road connectivity in Assam, linking the Barak Valley more efficiently with the broader Northeast region. The project is being viewed as a game-changing infrastructure initiative that will ensure all-weather connectivity, particularly during monsoon seasons when landslides and road blockages often disrupt travel along existing hill routes.

Silchar Flyover to Boost Urban Mobility

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a long-awaited flyover in Silchar. The project aims to ease traffic congestion, improve urban transport infrastructure, and support the city’s growing population.

Officials believe the flyover will play a crucial role in enhancing urban mobility and economic activity in Silchar, a key commercial center in southern Assam.

Greenfield Airport at Doloo Awaits Final Approval

Responding to questions about the proposed greenfield airport at Doloo, Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that the project recently received Environmental Clearance on February 19. The proposal will now be placed before the Cabinet for final approval.

He expressed confidence that the clearance process could be completed by March. However, if there are delays, the matter may be taken up after the elections scheduled in April.

Major Infrastructure Push Planned for the Next Five Years

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the coming five years will witness unprecedented infrastructure expansion across both the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys. The state government aims to position Assam as a strategic growth hub in eastern India, supported by large-scale investments in transport, highways, and aviation infrastructure.

The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit is expected to mark a significant milestone in Assam’s development journey, reinforcing the region’s importance in India’s broader economic and connectivity plans.