Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched several connectivity projects costing Rs 15,000 Cr in Assam on Thursday. He said that these projects would not only boost trade, economy and industrialisation but also open a new chapter for the tourism industry in the north-eastern region.

Following the launch, PM Modi said that in the past few years, the double engine of the Governments at the Centre and Assam made an effort to reduce the geographical and cultural gaps in the entire region.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of India's longest bridge which will connect Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari in Meghalaya. The 19-kilometre long bride will be India's longest and will play a crucial role in connecting the two North eastern states.

The launch of ''Mahabahu-Brahmaputra'' will be marked by the inauguration of Ro-Pax (roll-on/roll-off passenger service) vessel operations between Neamati-Majuli island, North Guwahati-South Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimari Shilanyas of the inland water transport terminal at Jogighopa, and various tourist jetties on the Brahmaputra. Besides these, digital solutions for ease-of-doing-business were also launched.

Ro-Pax operation between Neamati and Majuli will reduce the total distance of 420 km travel by vehicles to mere 12 kms, resulting in a substantial impact on logistics of small-scale industries of the region.

The program also included inaugurations for the construction of tourist jetties at four locations, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, Pandu and Jogighopa with the financial assistance of Rs 9.41 crores from the Ministry of Tourism.

These jetties will promote river cruise tourism, generate local employment and also generate growth for local businesses.

PM virtually laid foundation for the construction of Inland Water Transport Terminal at Jogighopa which will connect with the multi-modal logistics park planned there.

Modi also launched two e-portals to further ease of doing business- The Car-D (Cargo Data) portal will collate cargo and cruise data on a real-time basis. PANI (Portal for Asset and Navigation Information) will act as a one-stop solution for providing information about river navigation and infrastructure.

Image Source: ANI