The Northeast is gearing up for a transformative upgrade with the launch of its inaugural expressway, slashing travel time between Guwahati and Panchgram. This game-changing project falls under the ambitious Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, which is set to turbocharge regional connectivity and spark economic growth. At the recent Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, the state sealed 164 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth a staggering Rs.1.89 lakh crore, laying the groundwork for a massive infrastructure overhaul.

A standout highlight from the summit was the announcement of the Northeast’s first expressway, a four-lane marvel stretching from Guwahati to Barapani (Umiam, Meghalaya). Promising to cut travel durations dramatically, this tunnel-laden roadway will serve as a seamless lifeline linking Guwahati to Panchgram, offering a boon to industries, commuters, and tourists alike. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the state’s bold vision to revamp its transportation network during a summit session focused on modernizing infrastructure.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari rolled out an impressive Rs. 55,179 crore package to supercharge Assam’s road systems, with the Guwahati-Barapani expressway as its crown jewel. Beyond roads, the state is doubling down on rail and waterway advancements. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed plans for two new intercity trains connecting Guwahati with Silchar and Agartala, streamlining passenger travel across the region. Since 2014, an impressive 1,824 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Assam and the Northeast, with upcoming Gati Shakti cargo terminals poised to revolutionize freight movement and bolster trade.

Waterways are also getting a major boost, as Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal outlined plans to harness the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers for efficient cargo and passenger transport. This strategic move aims to unlock remote areas, paving the way for fresh economic opportunities and stronger trade links.

With the region’s first expressway leading the charge, Assam is hurtling toward an infrastructure renaissance. Backed by colossal investments in roads, railways, and rivers under Advantage Assam 2.0, the state is positioning itself as the Northeast’s economic powerhouse, ready to redefine connectivity for the future.