Guwahati, February 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam’s Barak Valley on March 14 to inaugurate the Rs 22,000-crore Guwahati-Silchar expressway, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday.

The six-lane expressway will cut travel time between Guwahati and Silchar from over eight hours to around four-and-a-half hours. Sarma said construction is set to begin soon, with tenders finalized, wildlife board clearance obtained, and land acquisition progressing smoothly.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate a key flyover in Silchar. Regarding the proposed greenfield airport in Silchar, Sarma said the state has received environmental clearance and aims for cabinet approval by March, or shortly after the assembly elections if needed.

The announcement comes ahead of Assam’s assembly elections, with BJP candidate declarations expected following the Prime Minister’s visit.