Assam: Dibrugarh set for major transformation with Rs 493 crore boost

IANS May 21, 2025 198 views

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Dibrugarh into a key political and cultural hub. The state will invest Rs 493 crore in developing a state-of-the-art Assembly complex and expanding the Khanikar Stadium to become Assam's largest venue. These projects are part of a broader strategy to boost cultural tourism and position Dibrugarh as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. The initiatives include plans to host international artists and develop a competitive concert economy, signaling a significant leap in regional development.

"We are looking to compete with Meghalaya and present Dibrugarh as a viable venue for top-tier global performances" - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, May 21: Dibrugarh, recently designated as Assam’s second capital, is on the brink of a sweeping transformation as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday unveiled two flagship infrastructure projects worth Rs 493 crore.

Key Points

1

Dibrugarh designated as Assam's second capital with major infrastructure projects

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Rs 284 crore Assembly complex to be constructed

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35,000-seat stadium planned to host sports and concerts

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New Concert Economy Policy targeting cultural tourism

The plans include a state-of-the-art Assembly campus and what will become Assam’s largest stadium, signalling a strategic push to elevate Dibrugarh as a key political and cultural centre in Upper Assam. Addressing the media after a Cabinet meeting in Dergaon, Sarma announced that Rs 284 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of a new Assembly complex. “The campus will comprise a modern Assembly building, MLA hostels, and a 1,000-seat auditorium,” he said.

In a further boost to the district’s profile, the Chief Minister revealed plans to redevelop the existing Khanikar Stadium into a 35,000-seat venue, overtaking Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium by 10,000 seats. The revamp will be backed by a Rs 209 crore investment. “We’ve decided to convert Khanikar Stadium into Assam’s largest. It will not only host major sports tournaments but also large-scale concerts, positioning Dibrugarh as a hub for sports and entertainment,” Sarma said.

The announcements come in tandem with the state cabinet’s approval of a new Concert Economy Policy aimed at tapping into high-revenue cultural tourism. Dibrugarh, along with Guwahati and Jorhat, has been selected as one of three cities to host national and international music acts under the initiative. Highlighting the economic potential, Sarma pointed to a recent concert in Gujarat that reportedly generated nearly Rs 600 crore. “We are looking to compete with Meghalaya and present Dibrugarh as a viable venue for top-tier global performances,” he added.

As a preview of Assam’s entry into the global concert circuit, Sarma confirmed that Grammy-nominated American artist Post Malone will perform in Guwahati on December 8, one of the state’s first major international shows under the new cultural push.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally, Upper Assam getting the attention it deserves! Dibrugarh as second capital makes perfect sense geographically. The stadium and concert plans will boost youth opportunities. Hope they also focus on improving basic infrastructure like roads and drainage. 🙏
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Priya M.
Rs 493 crore is a huge investment! While development is welcome, I hope they don't neglect other districts. Also, will local artists get priority in these concert venues? We have amazing talent in Assam that needs platforms too.
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Arjun B.
Post Malone in Guwahati?! That's insane! 😍 But ticket prices better be reasonable for local fans. The stadium plan sounds world-class - can't wait to watch ISL matches there someday. Dibrugarh becoming a sports hub is a game-changer for Northeast.
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Sunita T.
Good initiative but hope they maintain ecological balance. Dibrugarh has beautiful tea gardens and rivers - development shouldn't come at nature's cost. Also, what about job creation for locals in these projects?
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Deepak R.
As someone from Dibrugarh, this is long overdue! Our city has so much potential. The new Assembly complex will bring more government jobs. Just hope the projects complete on time - we've seen too many delays in Assam's infrastructure works.
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Meena P.
The concert economy policy is brilliant! But instead of just international artists, they should promote our Bihu and tribal festivals too. Assam's culture is our real treasure that can attract tourists worldwide.

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Tags:
Assam Development Himanta Biswa Sarma Dibrugarh Infrastructure Concert Economy Upper Assam Development