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Scindia Unveils ₹635-Crore Development Projects in Assam, Launches NEST Cluster at IIT Guwahati
Nov 03, 2025Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Monday inaugurated a series of development projects worth ₹635 crore in Assam, including the launch of the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati.
The initiatives aim to boost education, infrastructure, and innovation across the state. They include the construction of 65 new secondary school buildings worth ₹455 crore, the upgradation of the Chayagaon–Ukium road at a cost of ₹102.69 crore, and an RCC bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat valued at ₹20.59 crore.
Two new industrial estates—one at Ramphalbil in Kokrajhar costing ₹14.40 crore and another at Lakhibazar in Baksa worth ₹18.40 crore—are also part of the development package.
Speaking at the event, Scindia said the projects represent “a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” adding that every classroom and structure inaugurated “stands as a symbol of opportunity and progress for the Northeast.”
The newly launched NEST Cluster, established with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, is designed to serve as a hub for research and innovation. It will focus on grassroots innovation, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, bamboo-based technologies, and biodegradable plastics. The cluster will complement youth-oriented initiatives such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, which encourage student exchange and scientific learning.
During his visit to IIT Guwahati, Scindia interacted with students and researchers showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and affordable MRI systems. Praising their efforts, he said, “If you get this going, it will be the future,” urging them to continue developing sustainable technologies.
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to the region, Scindia said the government has invested over ₹6.2 lakh crore in the Northeast under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy. He cited major infrastructure projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park as key examples of Assam’s growing connectivity.
Scindia also emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Act East Policy has transformed the Northeast from a “landlocked to a land-linked region.” He noted that new routes through Bangladesh have reduced travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to just 10 hours.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent launch of projects worth ₹6,500 crore in Darrang and ₹18,530 crore across Assam, Scindia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development in sectors like health, education, energy, and industry.
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