Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that with the launching of several connectivity projects, Assam and the Northeast region would emerge as the hub of East-Asia.

He said that Assam and the Northeast region would further strengthen the initiative for “Aatmnirbhar Bharat”.

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Modi was speaking on the occasion of Bhumi Pujan for the construction of the Majuli Bridge in Assam via videoconferencing.

He said these projects would boost the more reliable, efficient and time-saving connectivity and help to further widen tourism and improve the economy.

The prime minister said that the growth and progress in the Northeast got momentum during the governance of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the present “double engine” government has given further momentum to it.

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Modi said that waterways would play an important role in connecting the northeastern region with South-east Asian countries.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the new projects worth a total of Rs 15,000 crore would make a sea change of connectivity and economy in Assam and other northeastern states

It will also strengthen the waterway connectivity with Bangladesh and Bhutan, said Gadkari.