Assam Plans Strategic Expansion with New Infrastructure Projects

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has requested increased emergency landing facilities and announced plans for four new airports. This follows Prime Minister Modi's inauguration of the Northeast's first ELF. Strategic projects, including tunnels and highways, aim to fortify Assam as a backup state in emergencies.

Assam is set for a significant infrastructure boost, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks to expand emergency landing facilities in the state. This request comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the region's inaugural ELF in Moran, highlighting its strategic importance.

Sarma revealed plans to construct four additional airports at Majuli, Diphu, Umrangso, and Manas, aiming to enhance the state's emergency response capabilities, particularly in the face of potential disasters such as floods. A formal agreement with the Civil Aviation Ministry to conduct feasibility studies is expected next month.

Additionally, Assam is positioning itself as a strategic nexus with developments like the twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra, enhancing connectivity and security. The Assam government views these projects as crucial to its role as a backup region in cases of conflict, underscored by ongoing infrastructure efforts in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)