Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a major infrastructure investment plan worth ₹1.5 lakh crore, combining state resources with proposed central government support, as part of the state’s long-term objective of becoming a developed state by 2047.

Sarma made the announcement during his Independence Day address at Khanapara in Guwahati on Saturday. The proposed investment is aligned with the broader national vision of transforming India into a developed country by 2047, with infrastructure expansion positioned as a key driver of Assam’s economic and social development.

₹50,000 crore state investment and ₹1 lakh crore sought from Centre

Under the plan, the Assam government intends to commit ₹50,000 crore over the coming years towards strengthening basic infrastructure and improving facilities in both rural and urban areas.

In addition to the state’s proposed allocation, the chief minister said Assam would seek ₹1 lakh crore from the Centre over the next five years. If the proposed central assistance is secured, the combined investment would bring the planned infrastructure spending to ₹1.5 lakh crore.

The government is expected to use the investment to improve essential infrastructure and create conditions for faster economic development across the state. The emphasis on both rural and urban areas indicates an attempt to extend development beyond major cities and address infrastructure requirements across Assam.

Sarma presented the initiative as part of a longer-term development strategy aimed at ensuring that Assam can meet the economic and infrastructure standards associated with a developed state by 2047.

Infrastructure placed at centre of Assam’s development strategy

The announcement comes as Assam seeks to strengthen its position as an important economic and connectivity hub in the Northeast. Better infrastructure is expected to play a significant role in improving mobility, supporting businesses, expanding access to public facilities and creating opportunities for investment.

The proposed ₹1.5 lakh crore package represents a substantial financial commitment. Its implementation will depend not only on the state government’s proposed expenditure but also on the availability and approval of the ₹1 lakh crore assistance being sought from the central government.

The chief minister’s announcement therefore places infrastructure at the centre of Assam’s development roadmap for the next two decades.

Eight new co-districts announced

Alongside the infrastructure announcement, Sarma unveiled an administrative expansion by announcing eight additional co-districts.

The newly announced co-districts are Khumtai, Kamalpur, Barhampur, Ronganodi, Sisiborgaon, Chabua-Lahowal, Katigorah and Borkhola.

The new administrative units are intended to improve administrative convenience and bring government services closer to residents. The latest announcement follows the creation of 49 co-districts earlier, while the state government has previously indicated plans for a total of 78 co-districts.

The expansion of the administrative structure is significant in a state with geographically diverse and widely dispersed populations. Smaller administrative units can potentially make it easier for residents to access government services and for authorities to monitor development programmes at the local level.

Government highlights action against child marriage

During his Independence Day address, Sarma also highlighted the state government’s campaign against child marriage.

According to figures presented by the chief minister, 12,196 cases related to child marriage were registered between 2021 and 2026, while 93 people were arrested during the period.

The government is also planning another month-long campaign against child marriage beginning November 1. The proposed drive is intended to reinforce efforts against the practice and increase awareness about its social and legal consequences.

The inclusion of the issue in the Independence Day address reflects the government’s attempt to link development with social reforms and improvements in the quality of life of citizens.

Assam’s 2047 development target

The ₹1.5 lakh crore infrastructure proposal forms part of a broader political and policy vision centred on Assam’s development by 2047. The target coincides with India’s centenary of independence and mirrors the national objective of creating a developed India by that year.

For Assam, achieving that ambition will require sustained investment across infrastructure, connectivity, public services, urban development and rural facilities. The proposed state and central funding could provide a significant financial foundation for such efforts if the planned allocations are approved and implemented effectively.

The scale of the proposed investment also means that execution will be critical. Converting financial commitments into completed infrastructure will require project planning, timely approvals, efficient use of funds and coordination between state and central authorities.

For residents, the eventual impact of the programme will be measured not simply by the amount announced but by improvements in roads, public facilities, connectivity, access to services and economic opportunities.

With the announcement of the ₹1.5 lakh crore plan, the Assam government has placed infrastructure-led growth at the heart of its long-term development agenda. The next phase will involve translating the proposed financial commitments into projects capable of supporting the state’s economic ambitions and improving living standards across rural and urban Assam.