Guwahati, Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin a two-day visit to Assam from January 17, during which he will take part in a major cultural programme and unveil significant infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, promoting sustainability and accelerating economic development in the Northeast.
On the evening of January 17, around 6 pm, the Prime Minister will attend the Bodo cultural extravaganza “Bagurumba Dwhou 2026” at the Bhogeswar Barua Sports Complex in Sarusajai, Guwahati. The event is set to witness a record-breaking, synchronised Bagurumba dance performance by more than 10,000 Bodo artists drawn from 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts of Assam. The large-scale presentation is expected to place Assam’s indigenous cultural heritage in the national spotlight.
Bagurumba, a traditional folk dance of the Bodo community, is closely inspired by nature and is usually performed by young women, accompanied by male musicians. Known for its soft, rhythmic movements that reflect elements such as flowers, birds and butterflies, the dance symbolises harmony with nature and is associated with peace, prosperity and joy. It is an integral part of important Bodo festivals, including Bwisagu and Domasi, and the mega performance is expected to underscore the cultural vibrancy of the state.
On January 18, at around 11 am, Prime Minister Modi will perform the Bhoomi Pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, a major four-lane highway initiative on the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715. The project, with an estimated investment of over Rs 6,950 crore, is considered a flagship infrastructure development for Assam.
The 86-km-long project includes a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor passing through Kaziranga National Park, a 21-km bypass, and the widening of 30 km of existing highway. Designed with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, the elevated corridor aims to ensure safe passage for wildlife, reduce human-animal conflict, improve road safety and significantly cut travel time on one of the state’s most vital transport routes.
The corridor will traverse Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts, enhancing connectivity to Upper Assam and key urban centres such as Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat are expected to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in surrounding urban areas.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate two new Amrit Bharat Express trains—the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak Express and the Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Express. These services are aimed at strengthening long-distance rail links between the Northeast and northern India, offering improved safety, speed and comfort for passengers while boosting regional integration.
