Assam plans Rs 77,353 crore investment to generate 8,457 MW power, aims to become energy-surplus state
Guwahati, July 17
Assam has unveiled plans to invest more than Rs 77,353 crore across hydro, solar, thermal and energy storage projects to generate 8,457 MW of power, marking the largest investment pipeline in the state's power sector history.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state is aiming to increase its power generation capacity from the current 450 MW to 8,457 MW.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Today's Assam dreams big & delivers even bigger. An investment of Rs 77,000+ crore in the power sector will generate more than 8,000 MW of electricity in the coming days to charge up the journey of a Viksit Assam."
Presenting the state budget, Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said the state's power sector is entering a transformational phase with investments of over Rs 77,353 crore planned across hydro, solar, thermal and energy storage projects.
"Assam's power sector is entering a transformational phase, with investments of over Rs.77,353 crore planned across hydro, solar, thermal and energy storage projects--the largest such investment pipeline in the State's history. This ambitious programme will be financed through a combination of the State's own resources, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Externally Aided Projects and Public-Private Partnerships," he said.
"Arunachal Pradesh is making rapid strides in harnessing its vast hydropower potential. Assam too is richly endowed with green energy, and we are determined to realise this potential to the fullest. We are committed to transform Assam into a power-surplus State and the Green Energy Hub of Northeast India. Our Government has also accorded the highest priority to Pumped Storage Power (PSP) Projects to ensure largescale renewable energy integration and sustainable industrial growth. Four PSP Projects with a combined capacity of 4,900 MW and estimated private investment of nearly Rs 27,100 crore, have been approved in the State," Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said.
He also said that the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project has entered the trial commissioning stage and is already supplying around 55 MW of power to the grid. The project is expected to be fully commissioned in July 2026.
"With the proposed 3,200 MW thermal power plant at Bilasipara with an estimated investment of Rs 4,000 crore and 11 new hydropower projects with a proposed total capacity of 137.2 MW and an estimated investment of Rs 2,617 crore under various stages of planning and implementation, Assam is taking decisive steps towards becoming power-surplus for the first time in its history. Over the next five years, we will strengthen Assam's power network through the addition of 15,000 circuit kilometres of transmission and distribution lines, 120 new substations and 20,000 high-voltage distribution transformers," the Assam Finance Minister said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, some real progress for the Northeast! Assam has so much potential with its rivers for hydropower and plenty of sunlight for solar. But I'm a bit skeptical about the Rs 4,000 crore thermal plant at Bilasipara. Thermal power is dirty and expensive in the long run. We need more renewable push, not coal. Otherwise, good plans. 👏
As someone from Guwahati, I'm happy to see this. Power cuts are still a problem in many parts of the state. 8,457 MW is a huge target from just 450 MW now. Let's hope the transmission lines and substations also get upgraded on time. 15,000 circuit km is a lot, but necessary. Proud of the CM for thinking big.
Impressive numbers but I want to see the actual timeline and accountability. These mega projects often get delayed or face cost overruns. The 120 MW Lower Kopili project is already partially running, that's good. But 11 new hydro projects need proper environmental clearance. Hope the state government doesn't repeat the mistakes of other states with river ecology. 🌊🌿
This is a game-changer for Assam's industrial growth. Power surplus means we can attract factories, data centers, and tech parks. The PPP model is also smart—the private sector should bring efficiency. Bilasipara thermal plant at 3,200 MW is massive. But I'm worried about the pollution. They should use the latest emission control tech. Overall, a bold move.
N Nitin Z Very ambitious We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.