President Droupadi Murmu highlighted significant infrastructure developments in the Northeastern region of India during her address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at the commencement of the Budget Session. Over the past 11 years, more than 7,200 kilometers of National Highways have been constructed, facilitating access to remote, hilly, tribal, and border areas. This development is part of a larger investment of over 80,000 crore rupees in railway modernization, which includes new broad-gauge rail connections linking the capitals of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram. She noted that the introduction of a direct rail route between Aizawl and New Delhi recently generated national excitement, particularly highlighted by the arrival of the Rajdhani Express in Aizawl, which was met with great enthusiasm from the local populace. Additionally, the induction of new-generation Vande Bharat trains, including sleeper services between Bengal and Assam, marks a significant achievement in Indian railway progress.
Murmu also emphasized health infrastructure advancements in the Northeast, mentioning the establishment of a State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, a medical college in Sivasagar, and facilities including a women’s and children’s hospital in Agartala. These initiatives are aimed at improving healthcare access for many families in the region, contributing to the development of a robust health infrastructure. Furthermore, she remarked on the region’s integration into the broader developmental narrative of India, referring to Assam as a source of cultural icons, and anticipated that semiconductor chips produced in the state would play a crucial role in the global electronics market. Murmu concluded with reflections on national unity and the joy of shared cultural events, such as the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, which highlighted the spirit of the nation.