Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat, Assam. These projects are part of a broader effort to boost clean energy adoption, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and accelerate industrial growth in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended festive greetings for Sharodiya Durga Puja and paid tribute to Srimanta Sankardev on his birth anniversary. He expressed gratitude for the warmth and affection received during his visit to the North East and described the day as a milestone in building a developed Assam and a developed India.
Highlighting investments worth ₹18,000 crore allocated to Assam, the Prime Minister noted that the bioethanol plant will produce ethanol from bamboo—an initiative expected to create opportunities for farmers and tribal communities. The government will support bamboo cultivation and procurement, with nearly ₹200 crore projected to be spent annually in this sector. The polypropylene unit, he said, will strengthen “Make in Assam” and “Make in India” by supplying a key material used across industries such as textiles, automotive, medical, and packaging.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these projects will generate jobs, benefit local communities, and promote energy security. He underlined India’s progress in renewable energy, noting that the nation has emerged among the top five countries in solar power capacity. He also spoke about the National Deepwater Exploration Mission and the Semiconductor Mission, with a major chip manufacturing facility coming up in Morigaon with an investment of ₹27,000 crore.
Mr Modi affirmed that Assam is emerging as a vital centre for both energy and semiconductor industries. He drew attention to the government’s efforts to honour Assam’s cultural heritage—restoring Rang Ghar, developing Batadrava as a tourism centre, and building the Maa Kamakhya Corridor. He also highlighted initiatives to recognize the legacy of Lachit Borphukan, including the unveiling of a grand statue and national-level celebrations of his 400th birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister spoke strongly against illegal infiltration, contrasting it with the government’s efforts to provide land rights to tribal families through Mission Basundhara. He highlighted the recognition of Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, and Gorkha communities in protected tribal areas.
Welfare measures for tea garden workers, including housing, electricity, water, healthcare, and education, were also underscored. The Prime Minister noted that more than 20 lakh permanent houses have been built in Assam and tap water supply projects are advancing rapidly.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said Assam is entering a new era of development, becoming a hub for trade, tourism, and industry, while reinforcing its cultural heritage. He extended best wishes to the people of Assam and the nation for the projects inaugurated and those underway. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Hardeep Singh Puri, along with other dignitaries, attended the event.
