The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit concluded on a high note, securing investment commitments worth Rs 4,91,500 crore, marking a historic milestone for the state’s economic landscape. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the summit a “historic occasion” that will significantly shape Assam’s future development.
The two-day summit witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over rs 2 lakh crore across multiple sectors, including industries, power, mines and minerals, IT, education, finance, health, tourism, agriculture, skill development, handloom and textiles, and water resources. These agreements reflect the growing investor confidence in Assam’s economic potential and its expanding role in India’s industrial growth.
One of the key highlights of the summit was a thematic session on Assam’s energy sector, where CM Sarma emphasised the state’s historical and strategic importance in India’s oil and gas industry. The session was attended by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, further reinforcing Assam’s crucial role in India’s energy landscape.
CM Sarma highlighted that Assam has been a key player in India’s energy sector since the late 19th century, with vast hydrocarbon reserves and a skilled workforce. The state holds 12 per cent of India’s total natural gas reserves and accounts for 50% of the country’s onshore natural gas production. Additionally, Assam has four operational refineries with a combined refining capacity of 7.45 million metric tonnes (MMT), making it a vital hub for the nation’s energy supply.
The state also boasts a strong petrochemical industry, with leading companies like Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited, Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited, and Numaligarh Refinery Limited contributing significantly to revenue. Assam’s annual royalty and tax collections from the oil and gas sector exceed ₹11,700 crore, underlining its economic importance.
Looking ahead, CM Sarma projected that crude oil availability in Assam will double by 2030, further solidifying its position as a critical player in India’s evolving energy sector. The government is also focusing on expanding its LPG network, which currently serves an annual consumption of 0.5 MMT through 1,180 retail outlets.
Despite the promising investment commitments, CM Sarma cautioned that the real challenge lies in execution and implementation. He stressed that the success of Advantage Assam 2.0 will ultimately be measured by how effectively these investments translate into economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and job creation.
With a record-breaking investment pipeline and a renewed focus on Assam’s energy potential, Advantage Assam 2.0 has set the stage for an era of unprecedented industrial and economic transformation in the state.
A for Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit on February 25, describing it as a landmark event connecting Assam’s potential with global investment opportunities. He emphasized that Eastern India, particularly the Northeast, is on the brink of a new era of progress.
“History is witness that Eastern India has played a crucial role in India’s prosperity. Today, as India moves towards development, the Northeast is once again set to showcase its strength,” PM Modi stated.
Recalling his past visits to Assam, Modi remarked, “I remember that in 2013, during my election campaign, I envisioned a day when Assam would stand as a key pillar of India’s growth. Today, ‘A for Assam’ represents a region that is leading the country in economic progress.”
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma credited PM Modi for Assam’s transformation since 2014, noting that the state has emerged from being one of India’s most disturbed regions to its most peaceful. He also announced that the Union Budget has allocated a Green Field Fertilizer Plant with a capacity of 12 lakh metric tonnes for Assam, further boosting industrial growth.
The summit was attended by Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Pabitra Margherita.
The event generated significant interest among investors, with major industrialists announcing ambitious projects. Purushottam Punamchand Singhal, Group CEO of TWI Group, revealed plans to set up a bamboo-based pulp mill to reduce India’s reliance on imports and launch an electric hybrid motorcycle manufacturing unit, a world-first innovation by Krishna Global Ventures.
Dr Uttam Singhal, MD of TWI Group, highlighted the summit’s importance beyond Assam, stating, “This is not just about Assam, but about India’s growth. Over the past decade, PM Modi has transformed the Northeast’s status, focusing on improving livelihoods, economic growth, and employment opportunities.”
With strong government backing, investor enthusiasm, and strategic policy support, Advantage Assam 2.0 has set the stage for unprecedented industrial and economic transformation in the state.
Major Investments
The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit witnessed a surge in investment commitments from leading companies across diverse sectors, reflecting Assam’s growing appeal as an investment destination. Several MoUs were signed between the public and private sectors, covering renewable energy, healthcare, gas distribution, oil and gas exploration, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. These agreements aim to enhance industrial capacity, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable development, reinforcing Assam’s vision for a dynamic economy.
Among the major investors, the Vedanta Group has committed ₹50,000 crore for oil and gas exploration, production, and sports development initiatives. The Tata Power Company Ltd. pledged ₹30,000 crore to establish 5,000 MW of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hydro, and energy storage solutions. Oil India Limited announced an investment of Rs 23,300 crore, focusing on exploration, production, and the refurbishment of ageing facilities. The Essar Group will invest Rs 21,000 crore in a renewable energy project, promoting sustainable development in the region.
Other significant commitments include Numaligarh Refinery Limited (Rs 10,711 crore) for multiple infrastructure projects, JSW (Rs 7,000 crore) for renewable and thermal energy projects, and Adani Total Gas Limited (₹5,000 crore) for city gas distribution, EV charging, biomass initiatives, and LNG infrastructure development. Additionally, Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited signed an MoU worth Rs 1,200 crore to expand Assam’s gas supply network, ensuring better connectivity and resource distribution.
The summit also focused on healthcare and education, with Lilavati Foundation LLP investing ₹150 crore to set up a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital and Gaveshna University committing ₹800 crore to establish a state private university. Investments in cutting-edge technology and data infrastructure were also prominent, with TCC Concepts Limited investing ₹1,500 crore for a state-of-the-art data center.
With these substantial investments, Advantage Assam 2.0 has set the stage for transformative economic growth, solidifying Assam’s position as a leading industrial and investment hub in India.
AI will be Assam Intelligence
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani has pledged an investment of over ₹50,000 crore in Assam over the next five years, further cementing the state’s growing prominence in the technology, energy, retail, and hospitality sectors. Speaking at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati, Ambani highlighted Assam’s potential as a future technology hub, stating that AI, which stands for Artificial Intelligence, will soon mean Assam Intelligence.
Ambani began his address by greeting the audience in Assamese and offering prayers to Goddess Kamakhya, emphasising his deep respect for Assam’s culture and traditions. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for transforming Assam’s development landscape, moving the state from the periphery to the center of India’s growth story.
“The greatest advantage of every Assamese and rather every Indian is having been blessed by PM Modi’s leadership. You have brought Assam from the periphery to the center of India’s growth story. You have given the mantra to Assam of Act East, Act Fast, and Act First. You have heralded an unprecedented era of connectivity revolution in the Northeast. You have made technology the main driver of development. Until now, Assam was known as the tea paradise. In the coming years, it will be known as tech paradise,” Ambani stated.
Reliance’s Key Investment Areas
Ambani outlined five priority sectors where Reliance will channel its investments:
1. Technology & AI Readiness – Reliance will establish an AI-ready data center in Assam, supporting students, teachers, doctors, and the agricultural sector. This initiative aims to help Assam’s youth learn and earn from home, fostering digital empowerment.
2. Clean & Green Energy – The company plans to set up two world-class compressed bio-gas hubs in Assam to promote sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions, aligning with India’s green energy goals.
3.Consumer & Food Supply Chain – Assam will be positioned as a key supplier of food and non-food consumer products to both national and international markets. Reliance will establish food parks in the state, further expanding its Cola bottling plant operations.
4.Retail & Market Expansion – RIL aims to strengthen Assam’s retail and distribution infrastructure, ensuring better market access and integration into India’s broader supply chain network.
5. Hospitality & Tourism – Reliance will develop a world-class 7-star Oberoi hotel in Assam, significantly boosting the state’s hospitality and tourism sector. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to position Assam as a global tourism destination.
With this massive investment, Reliance’s commitment to Assam is set to drive economic growth, create jobs, and accelerate industrial development in the state. Ambani’s vision reflects Assam’s transformation from a tea hub to a thriving technology and business powerhouse, making it a key player in India’s economic future.
Adani Group Pledges Rs 50,000 Crore Investment
The Adani Group has announced a massive Rs 50,000 crore investment in Assam, spanning key infrastructure sectors such as airports, aero cities, city gas distribution, power transmission, cement manufacturing, and road development. This announcement was made by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati.
Expressing his commitment to Assam’s growth, Adani said, “It is with great pride that I announce today the Adani Group’s commitment to invest Rs 50,000 crore in Assam.” He emphasised that these investments would strengthen the state’s economy, create employment opportunities, and accelerate its development.
Drawing Parallels with Gujarat’s Investment Model
Adani drew a parallel between Assam’s economic aspirations and Gujarat’s investment ecosystem, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for fostering an environment of investment-driven economic growth.
“Standing here, I cannot help but reflect that it all began in 2003 with a resurgence in Gujarat. Your vision evolved into the iconic Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. What started as a spark has now ignited a national movement, inspiring every state to adopt the power of investment-driven economic transformations,” he remarked.
Natural Heritage
In his speech, Adani also paid tribute to Assam’s rich cultural and natural heritage, highlighting the significance of the Kamakhya Temple and the Brahmaputra River. Drawing an analogy between Assam’s economic transformation and the Brahmaputra’s ever-evolving course, he stated:
“Just as the mighty Brahmaputra reshaped the landscape of this state, I must say that it is our Honorable Prime Minister who has reshaped the landscape of possibilities for us all.”
Boosting Infrastructure Potential
With this Rs 50,000 crore investment, the Adani Group aims to modernise Assam’s infrastructure, improve connectivity, and enhance industrial capacity. The projects will significantly boost Assam’s economic potential, positioning the state as a leading investment destination in Northeast India.
Major Railway and IT Projects
Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, attended the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, where he announced a series of transformative railway and IT projects aimed at accelerating Assam’s development. The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, senior Assam ministers, and top railway officials, including Northeast Frontier Railway General Manager Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and NFR (Construction) General Manager Shri Arun Kumar Chaudhary.
Vaishnaw hailed the Northeast as the “New Engine” of India’s development, emphasizing the region’s growing significance in the country’s economic transformation.
Railway Infrastructure Boost: New Workshops, Train Services, and Connectivity Projects
● A mega railway workshop will be set up in Basbari, Bodoland, fulfilling a key commitment under the Bodoland agreement and boosting industrial growth in the region.
● A mid-life reconstruction facility for locomotives will be established in Lumding to enhance railway operations and maintenance.
● Guwahati Railway Station is undergoing a major transformation into a world-class facility, which will include a 12-storey IT park aimed at fostering technological innovation and employment.
● Two new Amrit Bharat Trains will be introduced within the next 10 months, along with two intercity train services connecting Guwahati to Silchar and Agartala.
● The strategic Chicken Neck corridor will undergo quadrupling work to enhance railway connectivity and operational efficiency.
● The Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway project will establish a vital rail link between India and Bhutan, promoting trade and connectivity.
● Six new Gati Shakti terminals have been approved to optimize freight movement and logistics efficiency across the Northeast.
Major Investments in IT and Electronics Sector
Vaishnaw also announced massive investments in Assam’s IT and electronics sectors, aiming to promote self-reliance and industrial expansion:
● A new semiconductor hub will be established in Assam to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
● An advanced electronics manufacturing hub will be developed in Kamrup district, fostering employment opportunities and industrial growth.
Record Budget Allocation for Northeast Railways
The Gross Budget Allocation for Railway Infrastructure Projects in the Northeast for FY 2025-26 has been set at Rs 10,440 crores—more than five times the average allocation (₹2,122 crores) during 2009-14.
These railway and IT initiatives reaffirm the government’s commitment to accelerating economic growth in Assam and the Northeast, ensuring improved connectivity, industrial advancement, and job creation.
Rs 4,800 Crore Plan to Transform Inland Waterways
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced a ₹4,800 crore investment plan to revamp Assam’s inland waterways during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati. The initiative aims to boost riverine transport, promote green energy adoption, and enhance connectivity along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to modernising Assam’s water transport infrastructure, Sonowal stated, “Waterways are the backbone of Assam’s connectivity and economic growth. These projects will establish the state as a key hub for sustainable and world-class inland navigation.”
Key Announcements and Investments
1. Rs 1,500 Crore ‘Harit Nauka Scheme’ to Transition Assam’s Fleet to Green Energy by 2030
● The Centre will replace conventional vessels with eco-friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and fuel dependency.
● The initiative aligns with India’s commitment to green energy and will help modernize Assam’s inland water transport sector.
2. Rs 100 Crore for Riverine Lighthouses Along Brahmaputra
● The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways will develop lighthouses along the Brahmaputra, enhancing river navigation safety and tourism potential.
3. Rs 120 Crore for a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh
● The centre will focus on maritime research, training, and skill development in inland water transport.
● It aims to empower local youth with expertise in riverine logistics and vessel operations.
4. Rs 315 Crore World-Class Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri
● A state-of-the-art Water Metro service will be introduced in Guwahati and Dhubri, modeled after Kochi’s successful water metro project.
● This initiative will decongest road traffic, improve urban mobility, and offer a modern public transport system via waterways.
With these initiatives, Assam is poised to become a leader in sustainable inland water transport, leveraging its vast river network for economic growth, connectivity, and environmental conservation.
Jhumoir Binandini
On 24th February evening, in a historic celebration of cultural pride, Assam’s tea garden community dazzled the world as 8,888 dancers performed the traditional Jhumur folk dance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, aiming to secure a Guinness World Record. Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the monumental event, ‘Jhumoir Binandini’, praising Assam’s tea heritage and its people’s resilience while reaffirming his government’s commitment to preserving the state’s cultural identity.
Clad in vibrant red-and-white sarees, the dancers moved in flawless synchrony to the rhythmic beats of the ‘madal’ drum, their footwork echoing centuries of tradition. Folk songs in the Assamese mix Sadri language filled the air, narrating tales of love, labor, and perseverance intrinsic to Assam’s tea tribes—communities that have fueled the state’s globally renowned tea industry.
Prime Minister Modi, visibly moved, drew parallels between his humble origins as a “chaiwala” (tea seller) and the tea workers’ legacy. “Who knows the color and fragrance of tea better than a ‘chaiwala’? My bond with this culture is as deep as yours,” he told the cheering crowd. He also spotlighted the recent recognition of Assamese as a classical language, calling it a “long-overdue honor” that elevates the state’s cultural stature.
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