Only PM after Morarji Desai to take part in meeting of North-East Council: PM Modi in Shillong
PM Modi
PM Modi said that when his government came to power in 2014, he instructed his ministers that one of them must visit the northeast once in every 15 days
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road in Meghalaya capital Shillong on Saturday.
The prime minister said the road will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state.
"It will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state, Shillong and Tura. Travel time will be significantly reduced. Our motto is 'Transformation by transportation': PM Modi said.
PM Modi said that when his government came to power in 2014, he instructed his ministers that one of them must visit the northeast once in every 15 days. He claimed that when his government's ministers came to the northeast, they spend time with the people.
"When our government came to power in 2014, I gave clear instructions to my ministers that one of them must visit the North-east in every 15 days. Visit shouldn't be like you reached there in morning and return Delhi in evening. When our ministers come here, they stay and meet people," PM Modi said.
PM Modi said that he was the only prime minister after Morarji Desai to take part in a meeting of the North-Eastern Council.
"After Morarji Desai, if any Prime Minister took part in a meeting of North-Eastern Council, it was me. Last year, I inaugurated the North-eastern council meeting in Shillong," PM Modi said.
The prime minister said his government wanted to make Meghalaya the top tourism destination.
"During my last visit to Meghalaya in May 2016, I spoke about promotion of tourism in the State. We want to make Meghalaya a top tourism destination. The government of India has sanctioned around Rs One hundred crores for development of tourist destinations in the State," PM Modi said.
"In 2022, the nation will complete 75 years of Independence. This will also be the year when Meghalaya will complete 50 years of constitution. 75 years of independence, 50 years of constitution and national games. This is an excellent opportunity for state to make new oaths," he added.
PM Modi said his government had sanctioned around four thousand kilometres of national highways across the northeast.
"Across the North-East the Union Government has sanctioned around four thousand kilometers of National Highways, for an amount of over Rupees thirty-two thousand crore," PM Modi said.
"The govt is executing 15 new rail lines for nearly 14000 km length, this will cost Rs 47,000 Cr and boost infrastructure in the North-East region," he added.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 60 MW Tuirial hydropower project in Mizoram's Aizawl.
"Today we gather here to celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Mizoram, the completion, and dedication of the 60 Mega-Watt Tuirial hydropower project. It is the first large hydropower project in Mizoram which will boost the socio-economic development of the state," the Prime Minister said while addressing a public rally in Aizawl.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Northeast comes ahead of the Mizoram legislative assembly elections, which are expected to take place in 2018.