Jyotiraditya Scindia Lays Foundation for Rs 635 Cr Development Projects in Assam

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure and connectivity projects worth Rs 635 crore across Assam.

The development projects aim to boost education, connectivity, industrial growth, and regional opportunities. Major projects include:

Construction of 65 new secondary school buildings – Rs 455 crore
Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road – Rs 102.69 crore
RCC bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat – Rs 20.59 crore
Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil, Kokrajhar – Rs 14.40 crore
Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar, Baksa – Rs 18.40 crore

The NEST Cluster, developed at a cost of Rs 22.98 crore, will act as a hub for innovation in the Northeast, focusing on four key areas: Grassroots Innovation, Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence, Bamboo-Based Technologies, and Biodegradable Plastics.

Scindia said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast has transformed from landlocked to land-linked, with over Rs 6.2 lakh crore invested in the region under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy. He highlighted landmark infrastructure including Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park.

He also emphasized the impact of the Act East Policy, which has reduced travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to 10 hours via enhanced road and rail connectivity through Bangladesh. The Minister further noted ongoing central projects worth Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang and Rs 18,530 crore across Assam, reflecting a continued focus on health, education, energy, and industry.