PM Modi flags off Meghalaya's first train from Mendipathar to Guwahati

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underlined the government's resolve to accord priority to the development of the north-east as he flagged-off the first train from Mendipathar, Meghalaya, to Guwahati and unveiled the plaque for a new rail line from Bhairabi to Sairang.

The Prime Minister said it was as an important occasion in the history of Indian Railways, when a state was being added to the rail network.

Emphasizing on the development of north-east, Prime Minister Modi said all he knew was that if India had to be prosperous then the development of north-east was a priority.

"I don't know much about 'Vaastu Shahstra' but I have heard if we keep our 'Ishan' corner well, the entire house is blessed with prosperity," he said.

Stating that infrastructure was the first step towards development, Prime Minister Modi said that once infrastructure was developed, the people could themselves contribute a lot to development.

The Prime Minister announced that the first Union Budget of the new government had committed Rs. 28,000 crore to the development of new railway lines in the north-east.

He said that the whole world acknowledged that this century was Asia's century, adding that the need of the hour was to extend the 'Look East' policy to an 'Act East' policy and to connect the entire region with Myanmar and countries beyond.

The Prime Minister said India now needs next-generation infrastructure - consisting of both highways and I-ways (information ways). He said there should be no digital divide, and the vision of Digital India also encompasses the north-east.

"Why should there not be a gas-grid, why should we not get electricity for all 24 hours?" Prime Minister Modi said while expressing confidence that next-gen infrastructure would be the key to building a modern India.

Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that India had allowed 100 percent FDI in Railways to spur the process of modernization of the Indian Railways. He said the government was also considering privatization of railway stations to promote economic activity.