"PM Modi to Inaugurate Projects Worth Rs 11,000 Crore in Guwahati"

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Guwahati, Assam on February 3 and 4, Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced that the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate various development projects amounting to more than Rs 11,000 crore during his visit.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Guwahati on February 3 evening. On February 4, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for various development projects and inaugurate projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore," stated Baruah on Wednesday.

He added, "PM Modi will also address a mega public rally at Veterinary College Field, Khanapara, in Guwahati on February 4. Today's Assam cabinet also had a discussion about the Prime Minister's visit."

Baruah also provided details about the Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) Bill 2024, which gained approval from the Assam Cabinet during the assembly session on Wednesday, aiming to regulate the tourism sector.

"This bill will be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. The state cabinet also gave administrative approval of Rs 376.11 crore for the construction of a new flyover in Guwahati, for which the Assam Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone tomorrow morning. The cabinet also approved the Mising Autonomous Council Amendment Bill 2024, where the number of elected members will be increased from 36 to 40, and the number of nominated members will be increased from 4 to 5," said Jayanta Malla Baruah.

The Assam Tourism Minister had earlier declared that the state government plans to introduce a new Tourism Act in the upcoming state assembly session to foster the development of the tourism sector.

"The state government has taken lots of initiatives to develop the tourism sector of the state, and the state has witnessed a massive growth in tourist footfall in the state last year. Our government will bring a new Tourism Act in the upcoming state assembly session," mentioned Jayanta Malla Baruah.

According to state government data, Assam recorded a total of 83,81,953 domestic tourist footfalls and 9,009 foreign tourist footfalls in 2022. Till September 2023, there has been a domestic footfall of 61,85,639 and 15,332 foreign tourist footfalls, showcasing an increase of 103% and 523% in domestic and foreign tourist footfalls, respectively, during the same period (till September 2023 compared to September 2022).

The Tourism Department is working on the formulation of a tourism bill to regulate and facilitate the sustainable development of the tourism industry, encouraging practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities, ensuring long-term viability, tourist safety, enhancing the overall experience of tourists, promoting cultural heritage, and showcasing myriad cultures, traditions, and heritage throughout the state.

"To boost religious tourism and pilgrimage, a proposal for the development and beautification of Navagraha Temple has been submitted to the Government of India. Moreover, developmental activities have already been started at Bhima Shankar Jyotirlinga," added Baruah.

He also mentioned that several Major MoUs were signed in 2023 by the Department of Tourism in Assam to boost Tourism Infrastructure in the state.

ET