Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates ₹635 Crore Development Projects & North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster in Assam

Guwahati, November 3, 2025: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam.

Addressing the gathering, Scindia described Assam as “the heartbeat of a rising Northeast, where the mighty Brahmaputra flows as a symbol of continuity, courage, and creativity.” He emphasized that Assam is emerging as the innovation and connectivity hub of a Viksit Purvottar under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

The projects are aimed at strengthening Assam’s infrastructure and enhancing opportunities across sectors.
Key initiatives include:

• Infrastructure development of 65 new secondary school buildings – ₹455 crore

• Upgradation of Chayagaon–Ukium Road – ₹102.69 crore

• Construction of RCC Bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat – ₹20.59 crore

• Development of Industrial Estate at Ramphalbil (Kokrajhar) – ₹14.40 crore

• Industrial Estate at Lakhibazar (Baksa) – ₹18.40 crore

“Every brick laid and every classroom built is a promise kept in the service of aspiration,” Scindia remarked.

The NEST Cluster, established with an investment of ₹22.98 crore, will act as the nerve centre for the Northeast’s innovation ecosystem. It will focus on four core verticals:

1. Grassroots Innovation

2. Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence

3. Bamboo-Based Technologies

4. Biodegradable Plastics

The initiative will complement DoNER’s youth-centric programmes like NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, providing scientific exposure opportunities for over 4,000 students nationwide.

During his visit to IIT Guwahati, the Minister interacted with students demonstrating breakthroughs in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems for affordable healthcare.
He praised the youth-led innovation, saying, “If you get this going, it will be the future.”

As part of the mission’s inclusivity drive, 30 rural women from Kamrup District were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies. The NEST logo, designed by these women, was also unveiled during the event.

Scindia noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast has evolved from being landlocked to land-linked and future-ready.
Over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, driving growth and enterprise.

Major connectivity projects such as Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park were cited as transformative developments.
He also mentioned Modi’s recent launch of projects worth ₹6,500 crore in Darrang and ₹18,530 crore across Assam, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to holistic growth.

Concluding his address, Scindia highlighted Assam’s ethos of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj” — a society that carries everyone together — and invoked the blessings of Maa Kamakhya for continued progress.
He affirmed that education, innovation, and enterprise will guide the Northeast’s march towards Viksit Bharat @2047.