Mumbai, Sept. 2 -- The Assam state cabinet approved an infrastructure initiative allocating Rs 500 billion (bn) under Viksit Assam: Infra Vision to support development and capital works across the state. The chief minister announced the programme at Independence Day and the cabinet formalised the allocation in Guwahati. The package is intended to accelerate public projects and strategic investments.
The cabinet approved a financing plan with Rs 200 billion from the state revenue fund and Rs 300 billion to be sourced from NABARD over seven years under a memorandum of understanding. Ministers instructed implementing agencies to finalise phasing and procurement under fiscal rules. The financing mix aims to balance internal resources and long-term lending.
Health infrastructure approvals include a Proton Beam Therapy centre at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital estimated at Rs 6,000 million (mn), with procurement under way. The World Bank will provide Rs 3,150 million (mn) as a loan and the state will contribute Rs 2,850 million (mn), enabling the first public proton beam facility in the country. Cabinet also approved a 30 MW solar park and a 25 MW, 100 MWh battery energy storage system in Goalpara district.
Additional approvals covered land allotments for industrial estates and a milk project, extension of the one-time valuation mechanism for tea land stamp duty, and Rs 1,099.957 million (mn) for infrastructure at Gauhati University. The cabinet abolished retail selling licences for petroleum products and approved subsidised rates of Rs 70 per kg for masur dal and Rs 35 per kg for sugar for NFSA ration card holders. Administrative approval was granted for a road overbridge near Hawaipur station with Rs 1,559.819 million (mn) funding and policy changes to include vehicle scrapping facilities as eligible industrial activity, while relief instalments and grants were scheduled for beneficiaries and flood-affected families.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.