Development projects prove 'double-engine' govt's commitment to North East: PM Modi

Imphal (Manipur): Reiterating the BJP-led Central Government's commitment towards the development of Northeastern states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the new projects were proof of the 'double-engine' government efforts in this direction.

After inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of several developmental projects in Imphal on Tuesday, PM Modi said, "New development projects in the pipeline have proved that the 'double-engine' government is dedicated to shifting its focus from 'Don't look east' to 'Act-East'." Also read | Jalandhar’s chess champion takes to Twitter, vents anger against Pargat Singh on sports policy Further, talking about how the improved road infrastructure would help the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "When we used to talk about exports, only a few cities and states used to come to mind, but with Integrated Cargo Terminal, even our Manipur will become a new hub of exports and contribute to our dream of building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat." PM Modi said the seamless connectivity to remote regions and villages in the North-East will slowly boost the local economy and tourism opportunities and empower the youth of the region. "We are encouraging local tourism opportunities in the state like the 'Hill to Valley' campaigns. This is transforming the reputation of the state from 'Locked State to International State'," he said. Lauding the "daughters of Manipur", PM Modi said they had been making a mark globally. "Now the whole nation takes inspiration from our sports stars of the North-East; Be it Commonwealth Games or Olympics, our daughters are embodying the new spirit of New India," he said. Pressing on the government's commitment to reduce India's import dependency on edible oil, PM Modi said, "The Palm Oil mission is worth Rs 11,000 core and will enable farmers in the Northeast to become Aatma Nirbhar and reduce dependence on imports." The Prime Minister also informed that Mount Harriet in Andaman has been named Mount Manipur as a tribute to the freedom fighters. Also read | Two LeT-backed TRF terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter He inaugurated 13 projects worth over Rs 1,850 crore and laid the foundation stone of nine projects worth around Rs 2,950 crore; spanning across sectors such as road infrastructure, drinking water supply, health, urban development, IT and more. He laid the foundation stone of the construction of five national highway projects to be built at a cost of more than Rs 1,700 crore, with a cumulative length of more than 110 km. -PTC News