PM Modi Sharpens Poll Pitch In Assam As State Gets Landmark Underwater Tunnel Project

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Assam aboard an IAF C-130J aircraft, landing at the state’s first Emergency Landing Facility, underscoring the government’s emphasis on modern infrastructure. The underwater tunnel will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh, cutting travel time from six-and-a-half hours to just 30 minutes, while reducing the distance from 240 km to 34 km.  

The twin-tube tunnel will accommodate both road and rail traffic, making it a game-changer for Assam’s connectivity. Officials highlight that the project will enhance trade, tourism, and defense logistics, while reinforcing the BJP’s poll narrative of modernization and development in the northeast.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Union Cabinet clears ₹18,662 crore underwater tunnel project  
• Tunnel to connect Gohpur and Numaligarh under the Brahmaputra  
• Travel time reduced from 6.5 hours to 30 minutes  
• Distance shortened from 240 km to 34 km  
• PM Modi sharpens BJP’s campaign pitch in Assam  

Analysts note that the project strengthens the BJP’s development agenda in poll-bound Assam, positioning infrastructure growth as a central theme of its campaign. The underwater tunnel is expected to transform regional connectivity and reinforce Assam’s role in India’s strategic northeast corridor.  

Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, Economic Times