Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 65 billion in Darrang, Assam today. He extended greetings to the people on this historic day in Assam’s development journey and on the occasion of Janmasthami.Recalling his recent visit to Assam following the success of Operation Sindoor, Shri Modi expressed gratitude for the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and highlighted Mangaldoi as a centre of culture, history, and hope. He also paid tribute to Bhupen Hazarika, noting that the dreams of Assam’s great sons are now being pursued earnestly by the Union and State governments.Shri Modi emphasised that preserving Assam’s cultural heritage while accelerating development is a key priority. “India is currently the fastest-growing country, and Assam is among the fastest-growing states,” he stated, noting the state’s nearly 13 per cent growth rate. He credited this success to the people and the collaborative efforts of the Union and State governments.Highlighting the newly inaugurated projects, Shri Modi noted that the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, the highway, and the ring road are part of efforts to strengthen Assam as a connected state and a healthcare hub. He emphasised the importance of the North East in India’s national development and declared that the next phase of the 21st century belongs to the East and North East.On connectivity, the Prime Minister highlighted improvements in road, rail, air, and digital infrastructure, including 5G and broadband, which have made travel, tourism, and business more accessible. He cited the construction of six major bridges over the Brahmaputra within a decade, compared with only three built in the previous six decades, and announced the foundation of the Kurua–Narengi bridge, which will reduce travel time between Guwahati and Darrang.Shri Modi outlined the benefits of the new ring road, which will connect five national highways, two state highways, one airport, three railway stations, and an inland water terminal, establishing Assam’s first seamless multi-modal transport network.The Prime Minister also announced the implementation of next-generation GST reforms from Navratri, which will reduce taxes on cement, medicines, insurance, and vehicles, making essential goods and services more affordable for households. He encouraged citizens to choose Made in India products to strengthen the national economy.Shri Modi highlighted healthcare expansion in Assam, noting the completion of Darrang Medical College, which will increase the state’s total medical colleges to 24, and the doubling of medical seats nationwide over the last 11 years. A target of 100,000 new medical seats in the next four to five years was also announced.Addressing Assam’s historical role, Shri Modi recalled the Patharughat peasant satyagraha and warned against opposition parties’ alleged alignment with anti-national elements and infiltrators. He described efforts to reclaim land from infiltrators, including in Darrang, where the Gorukhuti Agricultural Project now enables local youth to cultivate crops. He announced a nationwide Demography Mission to safeguard India’s borders and resources.Concluding, Shri Modi reiterated the vision of transforming Assam and the North East into a key driver of a developed India, emphasising coordinated efforts to preserve heritage, accelerate development, and empower citizens.Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal were present among other dignitaries.