Himanta Meets Union Ministers in Delhi

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Assam CM Himanta meets Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Manohar Lal in Delhi
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Assam CM Himanta meets Union Ministers in New Delhi as part of a strategic visit aimed at accelerating the state’s growth plans. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met with Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal to discuss a series of ongoing and proposed projects crucial to Assam’s development.

The high-level meetings focused on infrastructure, energy, waterways, and policy support from the Centre to fast-track Assam’s transformation into a regional growth hub.

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Assam CM Himanta Meets Union Ministers for Key Talks

During the visit, Himanta Biswa Sarma first met Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who hails from Assam and shares a longstanding working relationship with the Chief Minister. Their discussion revolved around improving Assam’s river port infrastructure and expediting the multimodal transport corridor along the Brahmaputra.

Assam CM Himanta meets Union Ministers to ensure stronger connectivity between Northeast India and neighboring states through river and road integration. He stressed that inland water transport must be modernized to ease freight movement and reduce logistics costs.

Later, CM Sarma also met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal to push forward Assam’s power sector goals, including renewable energy expansion, rural electrification, and the completion of pending grid projects. He emphasized the importance of uninterrupted electricity in fostering industrial growth and improving citizens’ quality of life.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Logistics Top the Agenda

In both meetings, CM Sarma highlighted the state’s need for stronger support in building infrastructure. He proposed faster approval of central schemes, quicker release of funds, and enhanced coordination between state and central agencies.

The discussion with Manohar Lal covered several power generation and transmission projects that have faced delays due to clearance and funding issues. CM Sarma urged the minister to address bottlenecks swiftly so that Assam can meet rising electricity demands from both households and new industries.

In the interaction with Sonowal, Sarma explored ways to integrate Assam’s water transport with national logistics corridors. He advocated for more investment in river ports, modern jetties, and cargo-handling systems on the Brahmaputra.

Strengthening Assam’s Position in Act East Policy

As Assam CM Himanta meets Union Ministers, he also reiterated the state’s strategic role in India’s Act East Policy. With Assam serving as a gateway to Southeast Asia, the state needs stronger infrastructure and policy support to boost trade, tourism, and investment.

He discussed with both ministers the importance of positioning Assam as an economic bridge between mainland India and ASEAN countries. Upgraded infrastructure and power reliability would make the region more attractive to investors.

CM Sarma also touched upon the need to improve Assam’s logistics readiness to handle international trade routes, especially those connected to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Political and Regional Significance of the Visit

The visit carries both developmental and political significance. As a close aide to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam CM Himanta meets Union Ministers not just as a state leader but as a key BJP strategist in the Northeast.

His meeting with Sonowal, a senior BJP leader and former Assam CM, also sends a message of unity and collaboration within the party’s leadership in the state. Observers believe such coordination helps align state goals with national priorities.

The discussion with Manohar Lal, who recently took over as Power Minister, was an effort to quickly brief him about Assam’s ongoing energy projects and ensure continuity of central support.

Focus on Timelines and Monitoring

During both meetings, CM Sarma proposed setting up joint monitoring committees between the Centre and the state. These teams would track progress of key projects, address delays, and ensure timely completion.

He also stressed the need for time-bound project implementation, especially in flood-prone areas where construction windows are limited. According to sources, Union ministers responded positively and assured the Chief Minister of full cooperation.

CM Sarma posted photos from the meetings on social media, thanking both Union Ministers for their time and expressing optimism about stronger Centre-state collaboration.

Public Reaction and Business Hopes

Local business chambers welcomed the visit, saying that it shows the state’s leadership is serious about long-term growth. Many entrepreneurs in Assam believe that better ports and power availability will open new doors for investment and job creation.

Citizens also responded positively on social platforms, saying such engagements bring visibility to Assam’s development needs. “Glad to see Himanta Biswa Sarma taking our state’s voice to Delhi,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Civil society groups, however, called for more transparency in project execution and regular updates on progress.

Looking Ahead

As Assam CM Himanta meets Union Ministers, the expectations for faster growth and better infrastructure in the state have risen. The meetings may soon translate into fresh funding approvals, policy coordination, and renewed focus on Northeast development.

These discussions not only addressed Assam’s present challenges but also laid the foundation for its long-term transformation. With support from the central government, Assam aims to become a logistic, energy, and trade hub in Eastern India.

Read More: ‘Ashamed Gaurav Gogoi is from Northeast,’ says N Biren Singh

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