New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹19,500 crore in Guwahati, Assam.
Addressing a large gathering, the PM greeted the people of the city, farmers across the country, and workers from tea gardens.
He expressed gratitude for visiting the sacred land of Kamakhya Temple on the eve of Navratri, according to an official statement. Modi also said he felt blessed to be present at the revered site before the festival began.
The PM said the projects launched today would strengthen infrastructure and boost development in Assam. He noted that the initiatives range from efforts to make the state self-reliant in the energy sector to projects aimed at improving travel convenience for people visiting Assam.
During the programme, Modi also transferred more than Rs 18,000 crore to farmers across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He said crores of farmers have already received confirmation messages about the deposits in their bank accounts.
The PM said the scheme has become an important social security support for small farmers. He noted that before 2014, many farmers lacked bank accounts or mobile phones, but direct benefit transfers now allow funds to reach them quickly.
He informed the gathering that over Rs 4.25 lakh crore has been deposited in farmers’ accounts under the scheme so far. In Assam alone, around 19 lakh farmers have received nearly Rs 8,000 crore.
The PM said the government has taken several steps to support farmers, including a minimum support price, affordable loans, crop insurance, and financial assistance through PM-Kisan. He also highlighted efforts to shield farmers from rising global fertilizer prices.
He said the government has provided urea to Indian farmers at around Rs 300 per bag despite international prices touching nearly Rs 3,000. According to the PM, the government has spent more than Rs 12 lakh crore to protect farmers from the impact of global fertilizer price hikes.
He also said the government is promoting modern farming practices and efficient irrigation. He highlighted the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative and the use of drip and sprinkler systems to improve irrigation while reducing costs.
He added that farmers are being connected with solar pumps under the PM Kusum Yojana to reduce dependence on diesel. Many farmers, he said, are now generating electricity through solar pumps and earning additional income.
The PM also spoke about efforts to promote natural farming and the use of nano urea. He said these steps will help reduce dependence on fertilizers and protect soil health.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Modi said refining capacity and energy infrastructure in Assam have expanded significantly in recent years. He noted that the Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline upgrade has been completed and a second-generation bio-ethanol plant has been set up in Golaghat.
He also said railway electrification is progressing rapidly across the country and in Assam. According to him, electrification has helped the country save nearly 1.75 billion litres of diesel.
Modi said Assam is playing an important role in India’s renewable energy goals. He highlighted that the Lower Kopili Hydro Power Project will benefit the entire North East region.
Speaking about tourism, the prime minister announced that work on modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat has begun. He said the projects will boost tourism and create new employment opportunities.
