Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the development of India’s northeastern and eastern states was a priority for his government. During his visit to Assam, Modi also emphasised that the North East should not lag behind while the country's western parts progress.

As part of the Centre's Act East Policy, Modi called for a new development model for the states so they can draw from the “collective strength” of the region, which includes neighbouring countries Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, PTI reported.

The prime minister said that as part of the new development model, strengthening the North East’s railway infrastructure was the first step. “Lack of connectivity has hampered the development of the region,” he said. "Strengthening of the railway infrastructure will connect Assam and the North East with the rest of the country," he added.