Guwahati, Jan 3: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched three new train services, enhancing regional connectivity in the state. The new services include the Tinsukia-Naharlagun-Tinsukia Express, the Guwahati-New Bongaigaon-Guwahati Passenger, and the Guwahati-North Lakhimpur-Guwahati Jan Shatabdi Express. Sarma was joined by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the inauguration.
In addition to the train services, Sarma inaugurated a new road-over-bridge at Tetelia, constructed by Indian Railways, and acknowledged the establishment of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NEILIT) university in the state, a major step towards advancing technical education.
During his speech, Sarma highlighted the pivotal role of technology in achieving India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. “The foundation of a Viksit Bharat will be technology,” he stated. He also spoke about the upcoming semiconductor manufacturing unit in Jagiroad, which is set to produce chips by 2025 for use in car manufacturing in the US.
Sarma further stressed the need for skilled manpower in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and augmented reality, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision. He also shared plans for NEILIT to become a deemed university, with campuses initially set up at 12 locations, and expressed confidence that the project’s development is already underway.
