New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing tension between India and China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today the work of building new roads, new tunnels, new bridges, new rail lines, and new airstrips on the border is going on fast. The Prime Minister emphasised that decade-long border disputes between states are being resolved. "For us, the North East Border Area is not the endpoint, but a gateway to security and prosperity. Therefore, today the work of building new roads, new tunnels, new bridges, new rail lines, new airstrips is going on at a fast pace on the border," he added.
Meanwhile, PM Modi launched 'Grih Pravesh' programme for beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Rural. These houses, developed at a cost of over Rs 3400 crores, will cover over 2 lakh beneficiaries.
While addressing the audience at North Eastern Council meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, “For a long time, there was thinking in the country that the enemy will profit if border areas are developed or connectivity in the north-eastern states is increased. Due to this thinking of the previous government, connectivity could not be improved in all the border areas of the country including the north east.”
“Today, the work of building roads, tunnels, bridges, rail lines, airstrips is going on at a fast pace on the border areas. We are engaged in making the border villages vibrant which were once deserted,” PM Modi added.
"Political parties that had governments for a long time, had the mindset of 'divide' for NE. We've come with the mindset of 'divine'. Be it different communities, regions - we are removing all divisions. Not borders of disputes, we're building corridors of development in the NE," said PM Modi in Shillong in his address at the North Eastern Council meet.
The PM, who is also set to visit Tripura later in the day, will be inaugurating and laying foundation stones of projects worth more than Rs 6,800 crore in the two northeastern states during the day.
Both states are heading for assembly polls, which are likely to be held in February.