Jyotiraditya Scindia: Launches ₹635 Crore Development Projects in Assam

Guwahati, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati on Monday, while also laying the foundation stone for a series of transformative development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam.

According to an official statement, these projects aim to accelerate growth, innovation, and connectivity throughout the northeastern state.

Major Development Projects Announced

The newly launched projects cover key sectors including education, roads, bridges, and industrial infrastructure:

65 new secondary school buildings to be constructed at a cost of ₹455 crore

Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium road with an investment of ₹102.69 crore

Construction of RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat worth ₹20.59 crore

Development of industrial estates at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) and Lakhibazar (Baksa) with investments of ₹14.40 crore and ₹18.40 crore, respectively

“These projects are not just about infrastructure but about empowering lives,” said Scindia.

“Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” he added.

NEST Cluster: Powering Northeast Innovation

The NEST Cluster, established at IIT Guwahati with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, is set to become the innovation hub of the Northeast, transforming local wisdom into global solutions.

It will focus on four core verticals:

Grassroots Innovation

Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence

Bamboo-Based Technologies

Biodegradable Plastics

The cluster will also support youth-centric initiatives under the Ministry of DoNER, including NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, enabling 3,200 students from across India to visit the Northeast and 800 Northeastern students to gain scientific exposure through visits to ISRO and other institutions.

Minister’s Vision: From Landlocked to Land-Linked

Speaking at the event, Scindia emphasized that Assam is emerging as the innovation and connectivity hub of a “Viksit Purvottar” (Developed Northeast).

He highlighted the remarkable transformation of the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that:

“The Northeast has gone from being landlocked to land-linked and future-ready.”

Over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the region through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, driving growth, enterprise, and empowerment.

Transforming Connectivity and Trade

Scindia cited key infrastructure achievements such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, all of which have strengthened Assam’s connectivity.

He also noted that the Act East Policy has opened new trade routes, reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10 hours, thanks to enhanced road and rail links via Bangladesh.

Innovation and Research at IIT Guwahati

During his visit to the IIT Guwahati Innovation Exhibition, Scindia interacted with students and researchers presenting cutting-edge projects in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems for affordable healthcare.

Reviewing the biodegradable polymer project, he said,

“If you get this going, it will be the future,” praising the students’ efforts toward sustainable innovation.

Commitment to Holistic Growth

The minister also highlighted recent development initiatives launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including projects worth ₹6,500 crore in Darrang and ₹18,530 crore across Assam, focusing on health, education, energy, and industrial expansion.

“Assam has always been the gateway to India’s eastern renaissance. Now it stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity,” Scindia said, concluding his address.