Guwahati, 15 July (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday unveiled a series of major development initiatives while replying to the discussion on the state Budget on the eighth day of the Assam Legislative Assembly's Budget Session.

The Chief Minister announced that a new medical college will be established in Mankachar over the next five years to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in western Assam and improve access to quality medical education and healthcare services.

Sarma said the government aims to generate nearly one lakh employment opportunities by developing satellite cities across the state. These urban centres are expected to emerge as new hubs of economic growth and planned urban expansion.

Highlighting the state's energy vision, he said Assam has set a target of producing 8,457 MW of electricity, a significant increase from the earlier generation capacity of 450 MW. The enhanced power output is expected to support industrial expansion and meet the state's growing energy demand.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to invest around 2 lakh crore in transport infrastructure over the next five years. The proposed investment will focus on expanding railway networks, improving road connectivity and strengthening aviation infrastructure to accelerate economic growth and enhance connectivity across the state.

The announcements form part of the government's long-term development roadmap presented during the ongoing Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash