Priyanka
Share
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Wednesday that work on road projects worth ₹80,000 crore will soon begin in Assam. Speaking at the 'Advantage Assam 2.0 Business Summit' via video conference, he emphasized the government's commitment to infrastructure development in the state.
Over the next 15 years, the ministry aims to complete road projects worth ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. Among the upcoming key projects are the Guwahati Ring Road, a tunnel under the Brahmaputra River, and an elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park. Additionally, projects worth ₹60,000 crore are already under construction and are at various stages of completion.
₹4,800 Crore Investment in Assam’s Waterways
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the central government will invest ₹4,800 crore in Assam’s waterways and related infrastructure over the next five years.
Speaking at the 'Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit', Sonowal outlined plans for developing ship repair facilities, constructing alternative roads to ports, and enhancing terminal infrastructure. He also revealed that a Center of Excellence in Maritime Education will be established in the state, aimed at training 5,000 skilled youth annually for the shipping industry.
India Eyes 20%+ Ethanol Blending in Petrol
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India is exploring an increase in ethanol blending in petrol to more than 20%.
Speaking at the summit, Puri highlighted that the country has already achieved 19.6% ethanol blending and a NITI Aayog-led committee is currently evaluating the possibility of raising the target further. He also reassured that despite India's development challenges, all fossil fuel production companies are committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
Big Investments in Assam’s Industrial Sector
Star Cement Limited is set to invest ₹3,200 crore in a cement clinker and grinding plant in Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the state government and the company during the concluding day of the Advantage Assam Business Summit.
In addition to this:
- Matheson Hydrogen Private Limited has proposed to set up a ₹1,500 crore hydrogen and steam production plant.
- Global Health Limited has signed a ₹500 crore MoU with the state government.
- Two non-financial agreements have also been signed with ITE Education Service to enhance educational infrastructure.
