
Minister attends event for flagging off three train services, inauguration of road overbridge, and NIELIT University
Our Bureau
Guwahati/Jagiroad: Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics Ashwini Vaishnaw today attended a programme for flagging off three train services, the inauguration of a road overbridge, NIELIT University, and FM Station at Guwahati Railway Station. The event was flagged off by the Union Minister in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
The three trains flagged off today include the Guwahati-New Lakhimpur Janshatabdi Express, New Bongaigaon–Guwahati Passenger Train, and Tinsukia–Naharlagun Express. Additionally, a new road overbridge, built at a cost of Rs 72 crore, connecting National Highway 37 with Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, was dedicated to public use. In addition to these initiatives, the Union Minister virtually inaugurated the NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology) at Jagiroad as a Deemed University.
During the event, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming India into a leading hub for Semiconductor Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Industry 4.0. In line with the vision of the Prime Minister, this initiative aims to prepare a skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the industry. This university is set to play a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing technological environment. He added that now the meaning of Northeast is “New Engine,” to lead the development and growth of the country.
The Union Minister said that ‘Made in Assam’ chips would be fitted in cars made in Germany and the US in the future. He also stated that the new campus of NIELIT will be developed in Jagiroad near Guwahati, which will focus on knowledge for semiconductor manufacturing and electronics manufacturing.
Speaking on the occasion, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya emphasized the significance of these initiatives in improving connectivity in Assam. He highlighted the state’s rich natural resources, cultural diversity, and traditional heritage, which will get a facelift in improving modes of connectivity.
The Governor also expressed his confidence in the Indian Railways’ ability to play a pivotal role in creating more employment avenues and integrating the economy. He lauded the inauguration of NIELIT University, which will provide advanced education in emerging digital technologies, and the launch of the new FM station in Kokrajhar, which will disseminate information about government schemes and programs to remote and rural areas.
These initiatives mark a significant step towards Assam’s development journey, as the Governor urged everyone to work together to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Vaishnaw for the multiple initiatives presented for the Northeastern region at the onset of 2025. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been steadfast in his efforts to build a developed India by 2047, driven by technological advancement and innovation, and has continually motivated the youth to pursue the dream of a prosperous nation. He highlighted the ongoing initiatives in India, including the establishment of the semiconductor industry, the promotion of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and more, which are crucial for India to take a leading role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The CM noted that the semiconductor plants in Gujarat and Jagiroad, alongside upcoming projects in quantum physics and artificial intelligence, would be developed in India.
The Chief Minister reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of a future where the entire world will rely on semiconductor chips that are “Made in India” and “Made in Assam.” He also mentioned that the semiconductor project at Jagiroad is progressing rapidly, with production expected to begin by the end of the year.
The CM highlighted the importance of a skilled workforce for these initiatives, and he emphasized that the recently inaugurated NIELIT, now a deemed university, would play a pivotal role in nurturing this talent.
He also recognized the significant progress made in the railway sector within Assam and the Northeast, including the electrification of railways, the establishment of Amrit Bharat stations, the expansion of broad-gauge lines, and the work on the dual railway line to Lumding. He noted that the construction of seven Amrit Bharat stations in Assam is underway, and the dual broad-gauge track project is advancing rapidly. He also acknowledged that the Ministry of Railways has significantly increased the budget allocation for the Northeast region.
Our Jagiroad Correspondent adds: The Union Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics, and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav arrived at Jagiroad station by train from Guwahati today and attended the traditional Bhumi Pujan ceremony of a mega water supply project. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the ambitious water supply scheme to be installed at the Tata Semiconductor Project at a cost of Rs 121 crore allocated by the State Government, the Union Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has materialized the dream of setting up five semiconductor projects in India. He said that ‘Made in Assam’ can now be seen in America, Japan, and France, and with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, Assam and Ashtalakshmi will shine even brighter. He also announced the construction of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), which will provide technology education alongside the semiconductor project, will be started soon.
The Minister was accompanied by Jagiroad Assembly Constituency MLA and State Water Resources Development, Information and Public Relations, and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Piyush Hazarika, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah, and Housing & Urban Development Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.
Also Read: Assam CM, Governor Acharya And Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Jointly Inaugurates NIELIT
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