Guwahati: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Monday launched a series of development initiatives worth Rs. 635 crore in Assam, including the inauguration of the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati.
The projects, designed to strengthen education, infrastructure, and innovation across the state, include the construction of 65 new secondary school buildings costing Rs. 455 crore, the upgradation of the Chayagaon–Ukium road for Rs. 102.69 crore, and the construction of an RCC bridge at Silonijan-Dhansiri Par Ghat valued at Rs. 20.59 crore.
Industrial estates at Ramphalbil in Kokrajhar and Lakhibazar in Baksa, involving investments of Rs. 14.40 crore and ₹18.40 crore respectively, are also part of the development package.
Speaking at the event, Scindia said the initiatives represent “a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” adding that every new classroom and structure symbolizes progress and opportunity for the region.
The newly inaugurated NEST Cluster, built with an investment of Rs. 22.98 crore, aims to serve as a hub for scientific advancement and innovation in the Northeast.
It will focus on four key areas — grassroots innovation, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, bamboo-based technologies, and biodegradable plastics.
The cluster is expected to complement youth-oriented programmes under the DoNER Ministry such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, which promote student exchanges and scientific learning experiences.
During his visit to IIT Guwahati, Scindia interacted with researchers and students displaying cutting-edge innovations in fields such as 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and affordable MRI systems.
He lauded their work, noting, “If you get this going, it will be the future,” while encouraging continued pursuit of sustainable innovation.
The minister highlighted the Centre’s sustained focus on transforming the Northeast from a landlocked to a land-linked region, citing more than Rs. 6.2 lakh crore invested under the 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support policy.
He pointed to landmark infrastructure projects — including the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park — as key examples of Assam’s evolving connectivity.
Scindia said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Act East Policy has unlocked new trade and transport routes, reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10 through new linkages with Bangladesh.
He also referred to the Prime Minister’s recent launch of projects worth Rs. 6,500 crore in Darrang and Rs. 18,530 crore across Assam, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth across sectors such as health, education, energy, and industry.
