Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dedicated several major development projects to the people of the State while on a two-day visit to Assam beginning November 7.
On the first day, the Union Minister visited the under-construction Tata Semiconductor project site at Jagiroad along with Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. As part of the day’s schedule, she also participated in an interactive programme titled “Enterprise Assam – Viksit Bharat 2047”, where she engaged with students, local entrepreneurs and senior industry leaders.
During the interaction, the Finance Minister discussed opportunities in Assam’s industrial sector, highlighting investment prospects and the Central Government’s commitment to policy support for industrial growth. She noted that the Jagiroad semiconductor project would open new avenues not just for Assam but for the entire North East, sending a strong message of regional progress.
Referring to India’s rapidly growing start-up ecosystem, Sitharaman encouraged Assam’s young entrepreneurs to step forward and innovate. She added that the semiconductor project would generate employment, foster cutting-edge technology adoption, establish global-standard benchmarks and enhance local industry participation ultimately enabling Assam to play a leading role in India’s technology revolution.
She also planted a sapling at the project site. Adding a new dimension to tourism and trade, the Minister in the evening inaugurated the Guwahati Gateway (Terminal & Ghat) and the Sati Radhika Shanti Udyan riverfront project along the Brahmaputra.
The Guwahati Gateway featuring the North East’s first all-weather operational floating terminal—marks a breakthrough in river transport connectivity. Its key features include:
A 120-metre pontoon capable of berthing four catamaran vessels carrying over 100 passengers each
A ghat compatible with water level variations up to 10.9 metres
A world-class terminal building with e-ticketing facilities
A modern command and control centre for real-time monitoring
Built at a cost of ₹305 crore, the project is set to transform river transport infrastructure in Assam.
The second project inaugurated by the Minister—the Sati Radhika Shanti Udyan, which has been developed at a cost of ₹327 cr. Stretching 1.2 km from the New Commissioner’s Office to Kacharighat, the riverfront boasts a 15-metre-wide promenade, walking and cycling tracks, seating zones, children’s play areas, open-air fitness amenities, four commercial buildings and seven culturally themed gateways showcasing Assam’s heritage.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We will connect all fragmented segments of the riverfront and extend it right up to Kamakhya Temple and Nilachal Hills. In January, we will also dedicate the new Brahmaputra Bridge connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati.”
The Finance Minister noted that these projects would strengthen river transport, boost tourism and open new economic opportunities for the people of Assam. She praised the use of modern technologies in both projects and lauded the State Government’s visionary approach, calling the initiative a unique blend of urban amenities, culture and innovation.
She highlighted that the Central Government provides interest-free loans for capital expenditure through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme—supporting infrastructure development and reform initiatives across states. “Assam has utilised this fund in a planned manner and stands among the top states in effectively using the capital assistance,” she added.
Sitharaman also appreciated the State’s decision to preserve the operations of the historic Uzan Bazar Fish Market, calling it a symbol of balanced development.
On the second day of her visit, the Finance Minister, in the presence of the Chief Minister, laid the foundation stone for the Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University at Gohpur Assam’s first university dedicated to technical and vocational education (TVET). The university, to be built at a cost of ₹415 cr, will be spread over 731 bighas.
Designed for transformational skill development, the university will include academic buildings for 2,000 students, hostels for 1,620 students, 72 residential quarters, accommodation for the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, a guest house and a student amenities centre. Key academic areas include Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Drone & Navigation Technology, GIS, Image Processing, Quantum Computing, Brain-Computer Interface, AR/VR, Animation & Graphics, Internet of Things, Smart City technologies and more.
As the project involved land acquisition from Bholaguri Tea Estate, three tea garden workers were ceremonially handed land allotment certificates during the event.
Paying homage to freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua, the Finance Minister said, “I bow in reverence to the 17-year-old daughter of Bharat Mata who laid down her life for the nation. She displayed unparalleled courage while leading the tricolour. It is an honour to lay the foundation stone of a university in her name.”
She added that the institution would bring transformative changes to the education landscape of Assam and contribute significantly to shaping the future industrial workforce.
Chief Minister Dr. Sarma remarked, “This university is not merely a structure of stone and cement, rather a temple of human resource development.” He announced that an additional ₹500 cr would be sanctioned for the project’s second phase.
He also recalled Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s contributions to Assamese cinema, noting that the university would preserve the legacy of the historic Chitraban Studio at Bholaguri as a national heritage asset.
The Chief Minister mentioned ongoing discussions with Japan and other institutions to introduce both domestic and international degree programmes at the university, envisioning it as a centrepiece for building a self-reliant and empowered Assam. Later in the day, the Finance Minister visited the under-constructed Jyoti Bishnu Auditorium at Khanapara
