Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that with the launching of a huge number of connectivity projects, Assam and the northeast region would emerge as the hub of East Asia. Modi said a slew of infrastructure projects will boost connectivity and expand tourism and improve the economy.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the new projects worth a total of Rs 15,000 crore would make a sea change of connectivities and economy in Assam and other northeastern states and strengthen the waterway connectivity with Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Modi said that waterways will play an important role in connecting the northeastern region with Southeast Asian countries.  
Referring to the setting up of the first National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region at Amingaon, on the outskirts of Guwahati Modi said that the data centre for the eight northeastern states would do huge improvement to the e-governance, start-ups and industrialisation in the entire region. 

"Many projects of roadways, waterways, airways, railways and several gas grids are either completed or under implementation," he said.