The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, held in Guwahati, is all set to accelerate Assam’s economic growth with a whopping ₹1.89 lakh crore worth of MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) signed on Day 1. This ambitious event marks a new era for the state, aiming to transform Assam into a leading economic hub of Northeast India.
💰 Key Announcements at Advantage Assam 2.0
On February 26, Assam focused heavily on connectivity and mobility, with major plans to upgrade road, rail, and water transport. Here’s a breakdown of the key infrastructure projects and investments:
🚧 Road Projects: ₹55,179 Crore Package
During a special session on transportation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted a game-changing infrastructure push, thanks to a ₹55,179 crore package announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
One of the marquee projects includes:
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Four-lane road from Guwahati to Barapani (Umiam, Meghalaya) | ₹25,000 crore investment with multiple tunnels, connecting Panchgram’s industrial hub and reducing travel time to under 5 hours |
🚆 Railway Projects: Transforming Passenger & Freight Movement
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced several projects aimed at boosting railway connectivity:
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| New intercity trains | Connecting Guwahati to Silchar and Agartala, enhancing regional passenger travel |
| Rail network expansion | 1,824 km of new railway lines built in Assam & Northeast since 2014 |
| Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals | Expected to revolutionise freight logistics across the state |
🚢 Waterways Development: Unlocking River Commerce
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shed light on the strategic use of Assam’s waterways:
| Waterways | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Barak and Brahmaputra Rivers | Boost cargo and passenger transport, opening new trade opportunities and reducing transport costs |
📊 Investment Impact
Advantage Assam 2.0 saw the signing of 164 MoUs, totalling ₹1.89 lakh crore, with a clear focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and logistics.
With these developments, Assam is positioning itself as:
✅ A major industrial hub
✅ A gateway to Southeast Asian markets
✅ A leader in multimodal transport
🌟 Why This Matters
By prioritising road, rail, and water transport, Assam is set to slash travel times, boost trade, and attract massive investments, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth for the region.
