Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around ₹6,500 crore in Darrang, Assam. Speaking at the event, he said, “India is currently the fastest-growing country in the world, and Assam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that preserving and promoting Assam’s cultural heritage, along with ensuring rapid development, have remained key priorities for both the Union and State governments. He noted that through the joint efforts of the government and the people of Assam, the state is making a remarkable impact at both the national and global level.

Recalling the past, he said there was a time when Assam lagged in development and struggled to keep pace with the rest of the country. However, with a growth rate of nearly 13%, the state is now advancing rapidly. “India is now the fastest-growing country in the world and Assam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation as well.”

Modi credited this success to the hard work of the people of Assam and the joint efforts of the Union and State governments. He also highlighted the overwhelming public support received by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his team in successive elections, including the recent panchayat polls.

He pointed out that the Union and State governments are working to make Assam one of the most connected states and a leading healthcare hub. He congratulated the people on the inauguration of the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, the Guwahati Ring Road project, and the Kurua–Narengi bridge.

Highlighting the North East’s growing role in the national growth story, the Prime Minister remarked, “The entire nation is moving forward in unity to build a developed India. For the youth, a developed India is not just a dream but also a resolve. The next phase of this century belongs to the East and the North East.”

Stressing the importance of connectivity, he said, “Rapid connectivity is essential for swift development, which is why our government has prioritised enhancing road, rail, air, and digital connectivity in the North East.” He noted that 5G internet, broadband expansion, and infrastructure upgrades have brought convenience to citizens, boosted tourism, and created new livelihood opportunities.

“These advancements have brought greater convenience to the people, made life easier, and facilitated business operations. The improved connectivity has made travel more accessible, expanded tourism, and created new employment and livelihood opportunities for the youth of the region,” he said.

Citing Assam’s transformation, Modi compared past and present progress on river bridges. “In 60–65 years, only three bridges were built over the Brahmaputra. But in just the past decade, our government has constructed six major bridges,” he said, announcing the foundation stone for the Kurua–Narengi bridge, which will significantly cut travel time between Guwahati and Darrang.”

In Darrang, PM laid the foundation stone for several key projects, including the Darrang Medical College & Hospital along with a GNM School and B.Sc. Nursing College to strengthen medical education and healthcare services in the region. He also launched the Guwahati ring road project to improve urban mobility, ease traffic congestion, and enhance connectivity around the capital city, as well as the Kurua–Narengi Bridge over the Brahmaputra, which will boost connectivity and drive socio-economic development.