Assam's Economic Growth Under Modi's Leadership: CM Sarma Highlights Achievements

Assam's Transformation Under Central Leadership

Guwahati, June 13: On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 4,399 days in office, making him the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took the opportunity to showcase the significant economic and infrastructural advancements in the state attributed to the central government.

During a press conference at Vajpayee Bhawan, Sarma noted that Modi has visited Assam 36 times since taking office, emphasizing the substantial increase in central funding as a testament to the government's dedication to the region.

He revealed that central assistance to Assam was around Rs 1.7 lakh crore from 2006 to 2016, which surged to Rs 5.5 lakh crore from 2016 to 2025-26, marking a more than threefold increase.

“This is nearly five times higher, showcasing the level of support Assam has received. PM Modi is always open to projects for Assam; we just need to prepare and present them,” he stated, adding that the Prime Minister is “always willing to go the extra mile for Assam.”

Assam's share of central tax devolution has also seen a significant rise, with allocations expected to increase from Rs 11,575 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 49,725 crore in the 2026-27 budget.

Sarma highlighted that Assam's GDP has escalated from Rs 2.27 lakh crore in 2015-16 to approximately Rs 8.7 lakh crore under the current administration, claiming that around 80 lakh individuals have transitioned out of poverty into what he termed the neo-middle-class.

While India's economy grew by 29% from 2020 to 2025, Sarma noted that Assam experienced a remarkable growth rate of 45% during the same timeframe, with the Reserve Bank of India recognizing the state as one of the fastest-growing in the nation.

In terms of healthcare, Sarma recalled that when he was Health Minister in 2005, Assam's maternal mortality ratio was 480 per one lakh live births. According to the 2022-23 Sample Registration System data, this figure has dramatically decreased to 84.

“Achieving double digits is a significant milestone. This progress occurs when people rise above poverty, gain access to healthcare, and can afford nutritious food,” he remarked.

Infrastructure Developments Announced

Sarma unveiled several infrastructure initiatives that are either in progress or nearing approval.

A Silchar-Siliguri Express Corridor is being developed in phases, with work from Barapani to Silchar already underway, and the Barapani-Guwahati segment to be announced soon, followed by the extension to Siliguri.

A Guwahati-Tinsukia Express Corridor is also in the planning stages, with tunnel tendering already initiated. The four-lane project from Baihata Chariali to Mission Chariali is expected to receive approval shortly.

An elevated corridor connecting Guwahati Airport via the ring road through Jalukbari is also in progress. The Gorol-Dharapur road project has been assigned to the National Highways Authority and is anticipated to be sanctioned soon.

The Silchar Airport project is nearing completion, while Rupsi Airport is being developed into a logistics hub linking North Bengal and Assam.

The Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge is expected to be inaugurated by 2028, and a bridge at Lahorighat to connect Darrang and Nagaon districts is in the final stages of approval, along with a major national highway connecting Jagiroad in Morigaon district to Bhutan through the Nagaon-Morigaon region.

Enhancing Northeast Connectivity

Sarma revealed that a double railway line beneath the Siliguri Corridor, known as the Chicken's Neck, has been approved to ensure continuous connectivity to the Northeast during emergencies.

“In case of any disruption in the Chicken's Neck area, the Northeast should remain connected. The government is also considering the construction of another tunnel for vehicular traffic,” he stated.

Future Railway Projects

The Chief Minister also announced plans for a railway line linking Assam with Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as a separate line from Kokrajhar to Gelephu in Bhutan, connecting the state with Bhutan's upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City, which is being developed similarly to Singapore.

“While Bhutan does not allow industrial development, industries can thrive in Assam. People may live in Bhutan while industries prosper in Assam, creating a mirrored development model,” Sarma explained, adding that the vision for the Bodoland Territorial Region has been crafted under Prime Minister Modi's guidance.