Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma engaged with key Union Ministers in a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Wednesday to address crucial issues related to the state's infrastructure and education sectors.
Taking to his X handle, CM Sarma posted, "Over the last three days, I was in New Delhi to seek the guidance of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri
@narendramodi ji and meet Ministers of the Government of India to further our vision of a #ViksitAssam. Following these interactions, several development efforts for the State have gained new momentum."
Railway connectivity and manufacturing
Sarma's discussions with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw focused on enhancing railway connectivity in Assam and exploring the establishment of rail manufacturing facilities in the state.
One of the significant outcomes was a request for direct train services between Kamakhya and Ayodhya, aimed at facilitating pilgrimage for devotees.
Sarma also advocated for the initiation of train routes connecting Assam’s Barak Valley to West Bengal via Bangladesh. Vaishnaw assured that this proposal would be examined on a priority basis.
The Chief Minister praised the Union Minister for the increased allocation for rail connectivity in Assam in the Union Budget for 2024.
The budget allocated Rs 10,376 crore to boost rail infrastructure in the Northeastern states.
This includes a significant push towards electrifying 1,573 kilometers of tracks in the Northeast during 2024-25, aiming to complete the electrification of all states in the region.
Additionally, Rs 694.69 crore has been earmarked for these electrification projects under the North Frontier Railway (NFR).
The Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme will also play a pivotal role, with 60 NFR stations slated for redevelopment, including 50 in Assam. This initiative aims to provide world-class facilities at these stations.
Road infrastructure
Sarma also met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to discuss the progress of ongoing road infrastructure projects in Assam.
Gadkari agreed to personally oversee the completion of the Jorhat-Dibrugarh section of the National Highway, which is expected to be finished this year.
The talks included updates on various projects under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDC).
Key flagship projects, such as the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, the underwater tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh, and the Guwahati Ring Road, were also discussed. The focus was on ensuring their timely completion.
Education and skill development
In his meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Sarma sought support under the PM-USHA scheme, aimed at financing state educational institutions.
He emphasised the need for strengthening the capacity of Assam's Teacher Training Institute and discussed strategies to enhance technical education in the state. Pradhan responded positively to the measures proposed by Sarma.
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