Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced a series of major infrastructure, healthcare and employment initiatives while replying to the discussion on the State Budget during the eighth day of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Presenting the government’s long-term development roadmap, Sarma said a medical college will be established in Mankachar within the next five years to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in western Assam and improve access to quality medical education and healthcare services.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to generate employment opportunities for nearly one lakh youths through the development of satellite cities, which are expected to emerge as new centres of economic activity and urban growth.
Highlighting the state’s energy sector, Sarma said Assam has set a target of generating 8,457 MW of electricity, a sharp increase from the earlier generation capacity of around 450 MW. He said the enhanced power generation would meet rising energy demand and support industrial expansion across the state.
He further announced that the government would invest nearly ₹2 lakh crore over the next five years to strengthen Assam’s transport infrastructure. The investment will focus on expanding road, railway and aviation networks to improve connectivity and accelerate economic development.
During his address, the Chief Minister also spoke about the rapid economic progress of neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh through its ambitious hydropower programme.
Sarma said Arunachal Pradesh has taken a decision to generate 30,000 MW of electricity, with work on nearly 10,000 MW already underway. He noted that the projects have progressed without major disruptions, allowing the frontier state to move ahead with large-scale infrastructure development.
“If all the proposed hydropower projects are completed over the next 10 years, Arunachal Pradesh’s GDP will be twice that of Assam,” Sarma said.
He added that the hydropower programme would not only boost Arunachal Pradesh’s economy but also strengthen India’s strategic interests along the border with China. According to the Chief Minister, several villages have already been rehabilitated, with local residents voluntarily relocating for the projects.
Sarma expressed confidence that Arunachal Pradesh would emerge as one of the most economically vibrant states in the Northeast over the next decade through its extensive hydropower development.