Guwahati, Mar 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for collective efforts to build a “Viksit Assam” that can emerge as a model state for the nation, while inaugurating the capacity augmentation project of the Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline (NSPL) at a public meeting in Guwahati.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the government is working towards making India self-reliant while strengthening the energy sector and supporting farmers. He noted that India has significantly expanded its refinery capacity and is now capable of meeting not only its own energy needs but also contributing to global energy requirements.

Modi said Assam’s refineries have been expanded in recent years and highlighted major investments in gas pipeline infrastructure across the Northeast. He pointed out that the upgrade of the Numaligarh–Siliguri pipeline has been completed and that the world’s first second-generation bio-ethanol plant has been established at Golaghat.

“All these projects will bring enormous benefits to the entire region,” the Prime Minister said.

The 654-km Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline, a cross-country multi-product pipeline originally designed with a capacity of 1.72 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), has now been upgraded to 5.5 MMTPA. The expansion will support the increase in capacity of the Numaligarh Refinery from 3.0 MMTPA to 9.0 MMTPA, a key component of the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-East.

The capacity enhancement was achieved through upgrades to existing infrastructure, including the conversion of pigging stations at Sekoni, Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Madarihat into intermediate pumping stations, along with augmentation of pumping facilities at the Numaligarh Dispatch Terminal and upgraded facilities at the Siliguri Receipt Terminal.

Implemented as a brownfield project, the augmentation was completed at a cost of around ₹750 crore against the approved ₹860 crore, generating about 4.1 million man-hours of employment over more than three years across Assam and West Bengal.

Modi also highlighted the government’s push to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil through railway electrification. Nearly the entire national rail network is now electrified, he said, adding that full electrification will soon be achieved. According to him, railway electrification is helping the country save nearly 1.75 billion litres of diesel annually, while Assam’s rail network is also rapidly being electrified.

The Prime Minister said Assam is playing a key role in India’s renewable energy ambitions and noted that the Lower Kopili Hydro Power Project will benefit not only the state but the entire Northeast.

“These projects worth thousands of crores are creating new employment opportunities for Assam’s youth and strengthening the state’s prosperity,” he said.

The Prime Minister further announced the commencement of work on modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat, describing the projects as a major boost to tourism and the local economy.

He said the government views tourism not just as sightseeing but as a major driver of employment and development. With expanded cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra River, he said, more tourists from India and abroad will be able to access Assam easily.

“As cruise tourism grows, local youth will get new employment opportunities, artisans will find new markets, and the incomes of boatmen, small shopkeepers, and those associated with hotels and transport will increase,” Modi said.

Calling Assam a driving force in the development of the Northeast — often described as the country’s Ashtalakshmi — the Prime Minister urged collective efforts for the state’s progress.

“We must work together for a Viksit Assam so that Assam emerges as a model state in the nation,” he said.