![PM Modi launches multiple development projects worth about 55,600 crore rupees in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura & Arunachal Pradesh](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/640x430/filters:format(webp)/connect-gujarat-english/media/post_banners/f610b43b143651e4ff1e03308f9245e63e62884578faa47f4b4962c500741877.webp)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Northeast is emerging as a strong corridor for harnessing trade and tourism ties with India's partners in South Asia and East Asia.
He said this while launching multiple development projects worth about 55,600 crore rupees in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh today.
These projects were launched at a public meeting in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The projects unveiled today pertain to rail, road, health, housing, education, border infrastructure, IT, power, and oil and gas sectors among others.
PM Modi also dedicated Sela Tunnel to the nation and launched UNNATI scheme worth about 10,000 crore rupees.
The UNNATI scheme is fully funded by the Government of India and covers all 8 North Eastern States. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said, the UNNATI scheme will help catalyse industrial development and aid economic growth and development of the North East region.
PM Modi said, the Government is working for the development and progress of the Northeast in line with the vision of Ashta Lakshmi.
Prime Minister said, the kind of work done by his Government in the last five years in the Northeast, the Congress would have taken 20 years to do it.
PM Modi said, the Sela Tunnel project, constructed at a cost of about 825 crore rupees, is an engineering marvel.
Prime Minister said, the tunnel will provide all weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela pass on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh.
He said, the tunnel will not only provide a faster and more efficient transport route in the region but is of strategic importance to the country.
The foundation stone of Sela Tunnel was laid by the Prime Minister Modi in February 2019.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the 125-ft high 'Statue of Valour' of legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat.
The project also includes the construction of Lachit and Tai-Ahom Museum and a 500 seating capacity auditorium.
PM Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of both central and State projects worth over 17,500 crore from Jorhat.
Earlier, this morning, Prime Minister took the elephant and jeep safari inside Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam.
PM Modi first took the elephant safari in Mihimukh area of Central Kohora Range in the park followed by the jeep safari.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is considered Assam’s crown jewel and is home to one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer and tigers.
In a social media post, Mr Modi also urged people to visit Kaziranga National Park and experience the unparalleled beauty of its landscapes and the warmth of the people of Assam.
He said, it’s a place where every visit enriches the soul and connects you deeply with the heart of Assam.
Prime Minister also interacted with Van Durga, the team of women forest guards who are at the forefront of forests and wildlife conservation efforts.
PM Modi said, the dedication and courage of Van Durga in safeguarding our natural heritage is truly inspiring.