Massive 3,000-MW Power Project to be Set Up in Dhubri or Goalpara: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

In a significant infrastructure announcement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Sunday that the state is set to witness the construction of a 3,000-megawatt (MW) thermal power project, estimated to cost a whopping ₹40,000 crore. The project’s foundation is expected to be laid by November 2025, with land already being identified in the districts of Dhubri and Goalpara.

A Game-Changing Infrastructure Development

"This 3,000-MW thermal power project will be coming up in our state. A sum of ₹40,000 crore will be spent on it and the tender will be issued soon," the CM declared at a press conference, indicating that the project will not only boost Assam’s power generation capacity but also serve as a major economic and employment driver for the state.

The project is likely to create nearly one lakh direct and indirect job opportunities, according to the Chief Minister, who also mentioned that the Assam government had initially planned to set up the power plant in Kokrajhar.

Kokrajhar’s Missed Opportunity Amid Tribal Land Row

The original plan to set up the plant in Kokrajhar district was aimed at bringing major industrial investment to the region. The decision, however, stirred criticism from certain quarters accusing the government of targeting tribal lands for corporate benefits.

Mr. Sarma acknowledged the concerns and said, “We thought that a project of similar investment should come to Kokrajhar, just like the ₹26,000 crore Tata semiconductor unit in Jagiroad. But, we don’t want to go ahead with it by taking the blame that we are after tribal land.”

Dhubri or Goalpara Now Under Consideration

Following the backlash, the government shifted its focus to other regions and identified two potential plots of land in Dhubri and Goalpara districts, both of which are now being evaluated for the establishment of the power plant.

The CM said that the 4,000 bighas of land initially earmarked in Kokrajhar are currently under the possession of only 80 families, suggesting the area could still be used for constructive development like a hospital or a college, even if not the thermal plant.

A Strategic Shift in Assam’s Development Focus

The announcement comes amidst growing concern over industrial development models in Assam, especially those involving sensitive tribal and community-owned lands. The Assam government has had to walk a tightrope between pushing economic growth and maintaining social harmony and political balance.

This project’s shift from Kokrajhar to Dhubri or Goalpara may also reflect a strategic shift in state planning — choosing less politically sensitive locations to execute high-investment projects with minimal resistance.

Large-Scale Employment Potential

One of the most significant impacts of this project is its employment generation potential. According to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the power project could create over 1,00,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, ranging from engineering, construction, logistics, support services, and administration.

“This will boost the region’s economy and open up opportunities for youth and skilled workers. We want every part of Assam to grow equally,” Mr. Sarma added.

Concerns Over Corporate Involvement and Tribal Rights

This announcement also revives a larger debate over the government’s development approach. Critics of the earlier Kokrajhar plan had alleged that the state was “plotting to hand over tribal land to corporates.” These concerns were particularly sharpened by recent discourse surrounding other industrial projects, including Adani’s proposed investments in Assam’s power sector.

While the Chief Minister did not mention any specific corporate partner for the Dhubri/Goalpara project, the scale of the investment suggests that private participation or a PPP (Public Private Partnership) model may be involved.

Tata’s Semiconductor Plant in Jagiroad Sets Precedent

CM Sarma referenced the Tata Group’s ₹26,000 crore semiconductor facility being developed at Jagiroad as an example of Assam's rising industrial profile. With a similar-sized investment now proposed for a power project, the government aims to balance industrial development across multiple regions.

“We want balanced growth. Kokrajhar should also have mega projects. But we need to do that in a way that respects land rights and people’s sentiments,” he reiterated.

Environmental and Policy Considerations

Although there was no explicit mention of environmental impact assessments or clearances, such thermal power projects typically require significant regulatory approval. Environmentalists may also raise concerns about carbon emissions, especially as India pushes toward renewable energy and net-zero targets.

However, officials suggest that the project could incorporate cleaner thermal technologies, or possibly include carbon capture measures in line with modern infrastructure policies.

Infrastructure Push Across Assam

This announcement is a continuation of Assam's aggressive infrastructure development plan under the current BJP-led government. From expressways, IT hubs, AIIMS-like hospitals, to educational institutions, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has been pushing for large-scale capital investment into the state.

He believes that such projects not only attract national and international investors but also send a signal that Assam is open for business.

Conclusion

The 3,000-MW thermal power project, with an estimated investment of ₹40,000 crore, marks a major milestone in Assam’s industrial and infrastructure evolution. While Kokrajhar may have missed out due to social sensitivities, the selection of Dhubri or Goalpara may usher in a new wave of growth, employment, and regional development in western Assam.

With employment opportunities for over 1,00,000 people, this project could transform the economic landscape of its host district. As tenders get issued and groundwork begins by November 2025, all eyes will be on how the government balances growth with inclusivity and environmental accountability.

If executed successfully, this initiative could become a template for future large-scale projects in the region, showcasing Assam as an emerging powerhouse in India's developmental map.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Supertech EV, Valencia India, Neetu Yoshi, Abram Food, PRO FX Tech, Suntech Infra Solutions, Shri Hare-Krishna Sponge Iron, Icon Facilitators, Ace Alpha Tech, Globe Civil Projects, Sambhav Steel Tubes, Ellenbarrie Indutrial Gases, Kalpataru, HDB Financials, AJC Jewel.

The Current active IPO are  Aakaar Medical Technologies, Safe Enterprises Retail Fixtures, Mayasheel Ventures.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst