Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced road projects worth ₹80,000 crore in Assam, marking a major boost to the state’s infrastructure. Among the key projects revealed at the Advantage Assam 2.0 business summit are a tunnel under the Brahmaputra River, an elevated corridor at Kaziranga National Park, and the Guwahati Ring Road.
Virtually addressing a session on road, railway, and riverine infrastructure, Gadkari stated that by 2029, infrastructure projects worth ₹3 lakh crore will be completed in Assam under his ministry. With ongoing projects worth ₹60,000 crore already in progress, the newly announced developments will further accelerate connectivity and economic growth in the Northeast region.
Meanwhile, five major MoUs were signed on the second day of Advantage Assam 2.0, covering healthcare, education, energy, and manufacturing sectors. These agreements complement the ₹90,000 crore investment announcements made on Day 1, reinforcing Assam’s position as an emerging investment hub in India.
Massive Road Infrastructure Boost in Assam
At Advantage Assam 2.0, Nitin Gadkari outlined a strategic roadmap for Assam’s transport network, unveiling several high-impact projects:
1. Brahmaputra River Tunnel Project
- A landmark underwater tunnel will be constructed under the Brahmaputra River, enhancing connectivity between key regions.
- The project aims to improve trade, tourism, and transportation in Assam and the Northeast.
2. Kaziranga National Park Elevated Corridor
- To protect wildlife movement and biodiversity, an elevated corridor will be built over Kaziranga National Park.
- This initiative ensures seamless connectivity while reducing human-wildlife conflict.
3. Guwahati Ring Road
- A ring road around Guwahati will ease congestion and facilitate smoother traffic movement.
- The project is expected to boost urban infrastructure and economic activity in Assam’s largest city.
4. Ongoing Road Projects Worth ₹60,000 Crore
- Assam currently has infrastructure projects worth ₹60,000 crore in various stages of completion.
- These include highways, expressways, and bridges, enhancing regional and national connectivity.
Gadkari reiterated that sustainable and modern road infrastructure is key to economic development, tourism growth, and investment opportunities in Assam and the entire Northeast region.
Advantage Assam 2.0: Major MoUs Signed in Key Sectors
On Day 2 of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, five significant MoUs were signed, adding to the state’s investment portfolio across multiple sectors.
1. Healthcare Sector Expansion
- A major MoU in the healthcare industry aims to improve medical infrastructure and services in Assam.
- The investment will focus on building hospitals, medical colleges, and research centers.
2. Education Sector Development
- Agreements were signed to enhance higher education facilities in the state.
- Institutions will receive funding for skill development programs, research initiatives, and new universities.
3. Energy and Renewable Resources
- Assam is set to attract investments in the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy projects.
- Solar and hydroelectric projects are expected to boost clean energy production in the state.
4. Manufacturing Industry Growth
- New MoUs in the manufacturing sector will facilitate industrial expansion and employment generation.
- This will include setting up new factories, industrial parks, and production units.
These agreements build on the ₹90,000 crore investments announced on Day 1, positioning Assam as a key investment hub in India’s Northeast.
Impact of These Mega Projects on Assam’s Economy
The newly announced ₹80,000 crore road projects, along with the MoUs across critical sectors, will have far-reaching benefits:
1. Boost to Trade and Commerce
- Improved road connectivity will enhance interstate and international trade.
- The Brahmaputra River Tunnel will facilitate smoother transportation of goods and passengers.
2. Growth in Tourism Industry
- The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor will protect wildlife while ensuring better access for tourists.
- Improved infrastructure will boost ecotourism and heritage tourism across Assam.
3. Increase in Employment Opportunities
- Road projects, industrial investments, and new businesses will generate thousands of jobs.
- The manufacturing and energy sectors will open up skilled and unskilled employment avenues.
4. Urban Development & Smart Cities
- The Guwahati Ring Road will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance urban infrastructure.
- Planned investments in education and healthcare will improve living standards and public services.
With the state government and central government working together, Assam is on track to become a model of economic growth in the Northeast.
Assam’s Bright Future in Infrastructure and Investment
The ₹80,000 crore road projects announced by Nitin Gadkari, including the Brahmaputra River Tunnel, Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, and Guwahati Ring Road, will revolutionize Assam’s infrastructure. These initiatives, combined with the ₹90,000 crore investment announcements and new MoUs in healthcare, education, energy, and manufacturing, signal a new era of economic prosperity for the state.
As Advantage Assam 2.0 unfolds, the massive investments and strategic projects will strengthen Assam’s position as a key economic and industrial hub, not only in the Northeast but across India.
With a strong focus on sustainable development, connectivity, and industrial growth, Assam is set to transform into a powerhouse of investment, tourism, and trade.
