Dibrugarh: Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have transformed India from “a nation of hesitation to one of confidence”, bringing the northeast from decades of neglect to national priority and Assam from isolation to opportunity.Addressing media persons in Dibrugarh, Sonowal said the period has been marked by “Vishwas, Vikas and Jan-Kalyan”, with governance reaching citizens’ doorsteps through transparency, technology, and targeted welfare delivery.“More than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty during this period. Crores of families have received houses, toilets, LPG connections, tap water, healthcare coverage, free ration, and direct financial assistance. This has not been a govt of promises but a govt of delivery,” Sonowal said.Highlighting women’s empowerment, Sonowal said initiatives such as Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, and Direct Benefit Transfers have significantly improved the quality of life for women across India. “Nari Shakti has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of New India. Women today are leading self-help groups, starting businesses, entering public life, and contributing to nation-building with renewed confidence,” he said.On India’s youth, Sonowal said the rise of startups, digital innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship has created unprecedented opportunities. “India’s youth are no longer job seekers alone; they are increasingly becoming job creators,” he added.Speaking about the northeast, Sonowal said the region has undergone a historic transformation under PM Modi’s leadership. “The northeast is no longer viewed as a distant frontier. It is now recognised as Ashtalakshmi and as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. Enhanced connectivity through roads, railways, airports, waterways, and digital infrastructure has strengthened trade, tourism, and economic opportunities across the region,” he said.Sonowal said Assam has emerged as a key beneficiary of this transformation, citing national recognition accorded to the state’s heritage — including Bharat Ratna for Bhupen Hazarika, recognition of Lachit Barphukan, global acknowledgement of Charaideo Maidam, and classical language status for Assamese.On India’s maritime sector, Sonowal said port capacity has nearly doubled, cargo handling has reached record levels, and national waterways have expanded from 5 to 111. “For Assam and the northeast, the Brahmaputra, Gomati, and Barak rivers are becoming engines of commerce, connectivity, and employment,” he said.Referring to Dibrugarh’s growing role in India’s inland waterways ecosystem, Sonowal said the city is reclaiming its historic position as a major river trade and logistics hub. “The successful voyage of MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, placed Dibrugarh firmly on the global map of river tourism and showcased the immense potential of the Brahmaputra as a growth multiplier,” he said.Sonowal also highlighted the development of Bogibeel as a major inland waterways hub and cited strategic investments including the expansion of Namrup’s fertiliser ecosystem, the bio-refinery at Numaligarh, and the semiconductor plant in Jagiroad as new avenues of growth and employment for Assam.“These 12 years have laid the foundation for a stronger India, a connected northeast, and an empowered Assam. This is the foundation upon which the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 will be realised,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal said the region has undergone a historic transformation under PM Modi’s leadership
Sonowal said the region has undergone a historic transformation under PM Modi’s leadership
