Assam has unveiled an investment plan worth over Rs 77,353 crore aimed at transforming its power sector and increasing its installed generation capacity to 8,457 MW in the coming years. Announcing the initiative, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the plan would significantly scale up the state’s current power generation capacity of around 450 MW. In a post on X, he noted that the massive investment would “generate more than 8,000 MW of electricity” and accelerate Assam’s journey towards becoming a developed state.
The roadmap was detailed by Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah while presenting the state Budget. He described the initiative as the largest-ever investment pipeline in Assam’s power sector, covering hydroelectric, solar, thermal, and energy storage projects.
“This ambitious programme will be financed through a mix of the State’s own resources, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Externally Aided Projects, and Public-Private Partnerships,” Baruah said, adding that the sector is entering a “transformational phase.”
A key component of the plan is the development of Pumped Storage Power (PSP) projects, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy into the grid. Four such projects, with a combined capacity of 4,900 MW and an estimated private investment of nearly Rs 27,100 crore, have already been approved.
Highlighting ongoing developments, the Finance Minister said the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project has reached the trial commissioning stage and is currently supplying around 55 MW to the grid. The project is expected to be fully operational later this month.
The state government is also planning a 3,200 MW thermal power plant at Bilasipara, with an estimated investment of Rs 4,000 crore. In addition, 11 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 137.2 MW, involving investments of approximately Rs 2,617 crore, are at various stages of implementation.
Reinforcing its renewable energy ambitions, the government aims to maximise green energy generation and position Assam as a power-surplus state. Alongside generation, the plan also includes significant upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure over the next five years.
With a multi-pronged strategy spanning conventional and renewable energy sources, Assam’s power sector is set for a major expansion, aimed at meeting rising demand and supporting long-term economic growth.
Also read: Assam welcomed over 6 crore tourists in a decade
Follow us
