Shah highlights Northeast’s transformation, promises full connectivity by 2027

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 11, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed the Northeast Students’ & Youth Parliament in New Delhi, emphasizing the region’s development under the Modi government. Organized by the Student Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL), the event brought together youth leaders to discuss progress and challenges in the Northeast.

Shah described the Northeast as a “priceless jewel” of Indian culture and praised its rich diversity, home to over 220 tribal groups, 160 tribes, and more than 200 dialects. He credited the Modi government for bridging both the physical and emotional gap between the region and the rest of India.

He announced that by 2027, all Northeastern state capitals would be connected by train, air, and road, ensuring seamless connectivity. He highlighted the government’s investment in infrastructure, including Rs 90,000 crore for roads, Rs 18,000 crore for railways, and Rs 4,800 crore under the Vibrant Village program. He also noted key projects like the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, a new railway link from Assam to Bhutan, and India’s largest rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra.

Shah pointed out that under the Modi government, the Northeast has seen a 70% drop in insurgency-related violence, with over 10,500 militants surrendering their weapons. He emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for development, and the government has signed 12 major agreements with insurgent groups to bring stability to the region.

He also highlighted the economic potential of the Northeast, citing a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor plant coming to Assam and an overall investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the region. He assured that within the next decade, job opportunities would be abundant in the Northeast, reducing migration for employment.

Shah praised SEIL for fostering national unity and emotional integration by connecting Northeastern students with families across India. He called for expanding student engagement initiatives and emphasized the importance of the New Education Policy in preserving local languages and creating global opportunities for youth.

He concluded by reaffirming the Modi government’s commitment to the Northeast’s development, stating that by 2047, India would be a fully developed nation, leading globally in every field.