Guwahati, Feb 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant infrastructure investment of nearly ₹1 lakh crore by various government agencies during the 'Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025.'
Addressing a session focused on roads, railways, and waterways, Sarma highlighted that the central government has committed substantial funds for projects across key sectors, including road transport, railway connectivity, air travel, and waterways enhancement.
"Union ministers have made multiple announcements since yesterday regarding projects spanning roadways, railways, airways, waterways, and digital connectivity. If we combine all these commitments, the total investment amounts to nearly ₹1 lakh crore," Sarma stated.
Major Infrastructure Projects in Assam
The Chief Minister underscored how these investments will revolutionize connectivity and economic growth in the state. Among the key projects, he mentioned:- Guwahati-Panchagram Expressway: The first expressway in Northeast India, reducing travel time between Guwahati and Silchar from over 10 hours to just five hours.
- Kaziranga Elevated Corridor: Approved to safeguard wildlife movement while enhancing transportation.
- Brahmaputra River Tunnel: A game-changing project aimed at improving cross-river connectivity.
- Guwahati-Dibrugarh Express Highway: Construction is already underway to significantly cut down travel time between these two major cities.
Demand for Skilled Workforce
Sarma emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to implement these large-scale projects, calling on engineering colleges to align their curriculum with industry demands.“For executing these projects, we will require skilled engineers and technicians. That is why youth participation in this summit is crucial," he stated.
He further stressed the necessity of academic reforms, advocating for a shift towards a more pragmatic and industry-relevant education system to generate skilled manpower.
“With proper planning and training, Assam can not only meet its own infrastructure workforce needs but also supply skilled professionals to other states undertaking similar projects,” Sarma concluded.
The summit marks a major step towards Assam's infrastructural transformation, positioning the state as a strategic investment hub in the Northeast.
