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Dibrugarh’s resurgence underlines NE's transformation under PM Modi: Sarbananda Sonowal
ET Bureau | January 31, 2026 1:57 AM CST

Synopsis

Dibrugarh is set to become Assam's second capital with the foundation stone laying for several key infrastructure projects. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 1,715 crore.

Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sarbananda Sonowal joined Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah and Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma to lay the foundation stones of multiple infrastructure projects in Dibrugarh, a decisive move towards transforming Dibrugarh into becoming the second capital of Assam. The ground-breaking and inauguration of 5 projects is projected to be completed with a total cost of Rs 1,715 crore.

Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several landmark initiatives which included construction of a new Assam Legislative Assembly building and MLA residential complex, development of a world-class multi-purpose sports complex, establishment of a wildlife health and research institute, and large-scale rejuvenation of ponds and wetlands across the Dibrugarh region. The initiatives are aimed at furthering the good governance under PM Narendra Modi in decentralising administrative functions, strengthening governance infrastructure and accelerating regional development in upper Assam.

Sonowal said, “Today is a historic day for Dibrugarh. As Honorable Home Minister Amit Shah ji laid the foundation stones for multiple project, the projects reflected the transformative development agenda pursued under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the development of Dibrugarh, upper Assam and the whole of Northeast. Over the past decade, Assam has witnessed unprecedented transformation under the visionary leadership of PM Modi ji, where people’s aspirations have been translated into outcomes through good governance.”


Sonowal said infrastructure projects such as the new Legislative Assembly complex, MLA residences, international-standard sports facilities, wildlife research institutions and wetland rejuvenation initiatives would provide new momentum to Dibrugarh while reinforcing Assam’s overall growth trajectory. To strengthen administrative capacity, Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the new Assam Legislative Assembly building at Dibrugarh. The project, estimated at Rs 284 crore, is expected to play a pivotal role in operationalising the city as Assam’s second capital.

Shah inaugurated the Assam Wetlands Restoration and Rejuvenation Project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund at Khanikar Parade Ground. The programme marked a significant step in strengthening Assam’s long-term flood mitigation and climate resilience framework. The project, implemented with an investment of Rs 692 crore, focused on the restoration and rejuvenation of 125 wetlands spread across nine districts of Assam. The initiative also addressed long-standing challenges such as waterlogging, siltation and environmental degradation.

As part of efforts to promote sports development, Shah inaugurated the first phase of the multi-purpose Sports Complex at Khanikar, Dibrugarh. He also laid the foundation stone for expansion of the main stadium’s seating capacity from 5,000 to 35,000, aimed at enabling the city to host major national and international sporting events. Dibrugarh’s emergence as Assam’s second capital and the celebration of the rich heritage of the Mising community together symbolised the growing confidence of the Northeast under the Modi government.

Sonowal said Dibrugarh had taken a major step forward in establishing itself as the state’s second capital. “Following the declaration of Dibrugarh as Assam’s second capital, the state government acted with urgency to build essential infrastructure and modern facilities, which made the successful execution of today’s programme possible,” Sonowal said.

The Union Minister said that Assam has experienced sustained peace and stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and guidance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, enabling rapid development across sectors.

“Lasting peace has laid the foundation for economic growth and infrastructure expansion in the state. Under PM Modi ji’s dynamic leadership and focus on the region, Assam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, supported by focused attention from the central government”, said Sonowal.

Sarbananda Sonowal lambasted Congress Governments of the past as the dark reminders of prolonged neglect, corruption and governance failures, which robbed invaluable opportunities and potential for growth of Assam.

The Union Minister expressed gratitude to the Home Minister for his continued guidance and support toward Assam’s development. He also acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for driving development initiatives with speed and coordination.

Sonowal said the NDA’s double-engine government continued to work toward industrial development, employment generation and equitable growth for all communities. Sonowal called upon people across the Barak & Brahmaputra valleys, hills and plains to remain united in advancing Assam’s development goals.

Sonowal reaffirmed his commitment to support initiatives that promote peace, infrastructure development, cultural empowerment and long-term prosperity in Assam and the Northeast. Assam witnessed an unprecedented phase of development and cultural resurgence, marked by major infrastructure initiatives and renewed emphasis on indigenous identity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


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