PM announces Rs 28,000 cr for rail projects in NE
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies

New Delhi/ Kohima, December 01 2014 : Focusing on improving connectivity to the northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Centre would provide Rs 28,000 crore for laying new railway lines in the region and develop the "un-tapped" tourism potential of the area.

The Prime Minister also said that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 5000 crore to provide 2G mobile coverage in this area for comprehensive telecom development plan of the northeast region.

"So many tourists are coming here from other parts of the country and abroad.

This is the best destination for tourists.

But for that we require connectivity.

Unless we have road connectivity, rail connectivity, air connectivity, it is very difficult to develop tourism.

"That is why for the development of this area and for the development of tourism, Rs 28,000 crore will be provided for a new railway-line project and 14 new railway lines", he said inaugurating Nagaland's biggest annual Hornbill festival here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 3rd right, dressed in Naga attire hits a traditional musical instrument

"I believe that the Hornbill Festival will improve the tourism sector in Nagaland and the people of India will be the beneficiary," he said.

As energy is a lifeline for development, Rs 5000 crore has been sanctioned for the northeastern region power system improvement project for six states, including Naga-land, the Prime Minister said.

"Our goal is 24X7, 365 days power supply and to achieve that we are focusing on the northeastern states.

"Nowadays the infrastructure meaning has totally changed.

Besides road and rail connectivity, we require digital connectivity.

Internet connectivity is most required.

Now the youth cannot stay without mobile phones, without Internet," he said.

The Prime Minister said his government has decided to set up a National Sports University in Manipur and the people of the region will be "great beneficiaries".

The NE region could be the organic capital of the country, Modi said, adding that the Centre has decided to set up six new agriculture colleges in this area.

"We have decided to set up six new agriculture colleges in this area.

The NE region states could be the capital of organic agriculture in the country", he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Nagaland on its statehood day.

"On Nagaland's Statehood Day, I convey my greetings to the people of Nagaland & wish them the best in the State's development journey," Modi said in a tweet.

"I consider myself fortunate to be able to celebrate this special occasion with the people of Nagaland, enjoying their excellent hospitality," he said in another tweet.

Speaking at the Hornbill fest, the PM said, "Nagaland has young population, well versed in English, in tune with what is happening around the world.

This advantage must be tapped" .

"People will come to your state for investment and tourism.

They will do so because of your biodiversity and climate," the PM said.

Speaking on the occasion, the PM also announced scholarships for northeast students and said 10,000 students will be beneficiaries of the scheme.

Talking about his northeast tour, the PM said: "I think it is the first time that Indian Prime Minister has stayed in northeast for three days" .

Modi also said that he is he is the first PM to visit Nagaland in 10 years.