Guwahati: Assam Minister Kaushik Rai, during the 76th Republic Day celebrations at the Police Parade Ground in Silchar, lauded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership for driving the state’s remarkable progress across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and governance.
He emphasized that the Assam government’s initiatives, in collaboration with the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have laid the foundation for inclusive growth and regional development.
Minister Rai highlighted the creation of the Barak Valley Development Department as a landmark achievement, ensuring focused efforts toward the socio-economic upliftment of the region.
He also drew attention to the Borapani-Panchgram Expressway, a transformative project aimed at slashing travel time between Guwahati and Silchar to just five hours, thereby boosting regional connectivity and economic activity.
Additional transportation projects, including the East-West Corridor and four-lane highways connecting Silchar to Jiribam, Vairengte, and Churaibari, were also commended for their potential to enhance accessibility across the Barak Valley.
In the healthcare sector, Rai spotlighted key projects designed to improve medical facilities in Barak Valley.
These included the Rs 165 crore 500-bed hospital at Silchar Medical College, which is 66% complete, and the JICA-funded 206-bed Superspeciality Hospital, featuring advanced neurology and cardiology departments.
The Rs 23 crore Critical Care Block at Silchar Civil Hospital under PM CARES and the World Bank-funded 100-bed Lakhipur District Hospital were also cited as significant advancements in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
Education emerged as another key focus area, with Rai announcing the establishment of G.C. College University and new Model Degree Colleges in Dholai and Lakhipur.
He noted that these initiatives, alongside urban modernization projects under the AMRUT scheme, are pivotal to improving the quality of life and educational standards in Barak Valley.
The minister also provided updates on the construction of a mini secretariat near ITI Srikona, with nearly 45% of the work completed. This administrative hub is expected to streamline governance and improve efficiency in the region.
In a symbolic gesture of respect for India’s independence, Minister Rai paid tribute to the nation’s martyrs by laying a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Silchar’s Gandhi Bagh.
Accompanied by Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, Superintendent of Police Numal Mahato, and local MLAs, he later hoisted the national flag at the Police Parade Ground, honoring the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Concluding his address, Rai underscored the importance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visionary policies and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support in steering Assam toward rapid development.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the state’s position as a model of growth, innovation, and inclusivity.
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