PM Modi To Visit Barak Valley On March 14 To Lay Foundation Stone For Silchar Flyover, Express Highway

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday (February 20) inaugurated Star Cement’s new unit in Cachar’s Kalain area and announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Barak Valley on March 14 to lay the foundation stone of the long-awaited Silchar flyover. He also said the state government has received environmental clearance for the proposed Dolu Greenfield Airport.

Addressing the media after the inauguration, the Chief Minister said the Silchar flyover project will formally begin during the Prime Minister’s visit. He added that on the same day, the foundation stone will also be laid for a new express highway from Panchgram to Guwahati, which is expected to reduce travel time to around 4.5 hours.

Sarma said the tender process for the highway project has been completed, wildlife board clearance has been obtained and land acquisition has largely been done. He stated that road work is expected to begin soon after the foundation is laid. Referring to the flyover, he said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion in Silchar.

On the proposed Dolu Greenfield Airport, the Chief Minister said the state received environmental clearance on Wednesday. He said the proposal will now be placed before the state cabinet and the government will try to initiate further steps within March. He noted that time is limited but efforts are being made to move the project forward quickly.

Speaking about industrial development, Sarma said Star Cement’s Cachar unit will produce 2 million metric tonnes of cement annually and involves an investment of around Rs. 600 crore. He said the project is part of the commitments made under the Advantage Assam initiative and will create employment opportunities for youth in Barak Valley. He added that the region is now gaining attention in terms of industrialisation and growth.

The Chief Minister also spoke about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Natanpur under the Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II. He said the programme focuses on the development of border villages and that Shah will inaugurate the initiative in the bordering areas of the state. Sarma added that the Union Home Minister will later visit Guwahati to attend a CRPF parade.

The announcements come at a time when several major infrastructure projects are being lined up for Barak Valley, with the Silchar flyover and Dolu airport expected to significantly impact the region’s connectivity and development.