India | PM Modi Announces Policy Expansions, Inaugurates ₹5,450 Crore Projects in Assam
Senior Technology Correspondent · AI, startups & MeitY policy
Quick summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced significant policy expansions for the PM RAHAT Scheme and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, alongside launching Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. Concurrently, he inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over ₹5,450 crore in Assam on , aimed at bolstering regional connectivity and digital infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced major policy approvals and inaugurated key infrastructure projects in Assam on , marking a significant push for national development and regional connectivity. These initiatives follow his shift to the new Seva Teerth complex.
Policy Approvals and Expansions
Prime Minister Modi announced the expansion of the PM RAHAT Scheme, which provides cashless treatment for accident victims up to ₹1.5 lakh, ensuring urgent medical care is not delayed due to financial constraints. In a major boost to the agricultural sector, the loan target of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund was doubled from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore, aiming to strengthen India's entire agriculture value chain. Additionally, a new Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 was launched with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore to power India's innovation ecosystem, particularly in deep tech, early-stage ideas, advanced manufacturing, and breakthrough technologies.
Key Infrastructure Inaugurations in Assam
During his visit to Assam, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated projects worth over ₹5,450 crore. Among these was the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete (PSC) bridge across the Brahmaputra River, connecting Guwahati with North Guwahati. Built at an approximate cost of ₹3,030 crore, this bridge is the first of its kind in the North-East and is expected to reduce travel time between the two banks to just seven minutes. He also inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, the first such dual-use infrastructure in the North-East developed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support military and civilian aircraft during emergencies. Furthermore, the Prime Minister dedicated the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region at Amingaon in Kamrup district, designed to host mission-critical government applications and function as a disaster recovery centre, strengthening the region's ICT backbone.
Government's Rationale
The Government of India, through these initiatives, aims to enhance social security for accident victims, boost agricultural growth by improving infrastructure, and foster innovation among young entrepreneurs. The inaugurated projects in Assam are intended to significantly accelerate connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure, and improve public transport, thereby giving a substantial impetus to development across the North Eastern Region.
Background
These policy decisions were among the first taken by Prime Minister Modi after officially relocating to the new Seva Teerth complex. His visit to Assam underscores the government's continued focus on comprehensive development and infrastructure upgrades in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the expansion of the PM RAHAT Scheme for accident victims, doubling the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to ₹2 lakh crore, and launching Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with ₹10,000 crore.
- He inaugurated projects worth over ₹5,450 crore in Assam on .
- Key inaugurations include the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the Brahmaputra River, an Emergency Landing Facility on Moran Bypass, and the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region.
- The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, costing approximately ₹3,030 crore, is the first extradosed bridge in the North-East and will reduce travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati.
People Also Ask
- What is the PM RAHAT Scheme?
The PM RAHAT Scheme, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims. It aims to ensure that no life is lost due to a lack of immediate medical assistance.
- How much has the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund been expanded to?
The loan target of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has been doubled from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore. This expansion aims to strengthen India's entire agriculture value chain.
- What is the purpose of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0?
The Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has a corpus of ₹10,000 crore. It is intended to power India's innovation ecosystem, especially in deep tech, early-stage ideas, advanced manufacturing, and breakthrough technologies.
- Where is the new Emergency Landing Facility located in Assam?
The new Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is located on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, Assam. It is the first such dual-use facility in the North-East, developed in coordination with the Indian Air Force.
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