GUWAHATI: “It is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect all Northeast state capitals by road, rail and air by 2024,” said Union home minister Amit Shah.
Good connectivity is essential to the region as a whole for its development, security and to bring back its old glory, said Shah after inaugurating the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong in Shillong on Saturday.
The inauguration of the ISBT in Meghalaya will go a long way in fructifying the vision of the Prime Minister, he said hoping that the new ISBT in Shillong would accelerate economic activities, and facilitate better connectivity for passenger and goods vehicles.
“Shillong being the capital of erstwhile undivided Assam, it is natural and befitting that Shillong be connected with the other seven Northeastern states. This will help the economy and progress of Meghalaya and other Northeast states,” he said.
The construction of the State’s prestigious infrastructure ISBT has been funded by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India and was built at an estimated cost of about Rs 48.31 cr.
“IT connectivity is very crucial for development and progress and the Government of India has laid emphasis to ensure that IT enabled services reach every corner in the country, so that people can reap its benefit from the comfort of their homes,” the Union minister added.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked the Union minister for his visit to Meghalaya. “Central government is concerned about the progress and development of the Northeast. The visit of the Union home minister during the parliament session only goes to prove that the Union government gives due importance for the economic progress of the region,” said chief minister Conrad K. Sangma.
He said that road connectivity is paramount for ensuring accelerated growth and development in the region. The economic and business activities can only flourish if there is infrastructure to facilitate transport communication.
“Northeast has potential for economic activities with its neighbouring nations and good transport facilities will pave the way and foster better trade and communication not only for the region but for the country as a whole,” he added.
Shah also inaugurated the Cryogenic Oxygen plant at Umsawli and visited the Paediatric Unit at Covid Stepdown Hospital.
Union DoNER minister G. Kishan Reddy, MoS science and technology Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS DoNER BL Verma, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, transport minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, Shah laid the foundation for a multi-facility convention and exhibition centre at North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), Umiam and held meeting with chief ministers of all northeastern states on application of science and technology for mapping of forest gap areas, expansion of the land area for horticulture development, identification and rejuvenation of wetlands, diversion of flood water and assessment of bamboo resources for livelihood needs.
