The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025, held in Guwahati, featured a pivotal session titled “I-Way to Viksit Assam” underscoring Assam’s vision of becoming a digitally empowered and connected region, reaffirming its commitment to expanding information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and promoting digital inclusivity.
Union Minister of Communications and Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri M. Jyotiraditya Scindia, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing Assam’s emergence as the “economic engine” of the Northeast. He reiterated the state’s critical role in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Assam, he noted, is no longer just adopting new technologies but leading the way. Highlighting the new semiconductor facility at Jagiroad, he underscored Assam’s growing prominence in India’s technological self-reliance and semiconductor manufacturing.
Describing Assam as a “land of limitless possibilities,” Shri Scindia projected the state as a gateway to Southeast Asia, the ASEAN region, and the Global South. He also emphasized Assam’s potential as a future manufacturing and logistics hub, making it a crucial contributor to India’s economic expansion.
To accelerate this transformation, Ministry of Communication has undertaken investment worth Rs. 4,000 crore to strengthen Assam’s telecom infrastructure. Under the BharatNet Project, 2,285 Gram Panchayats have already been connected to broadband, with plans to expand coverage to 25,000 villages. The Ministry of Communications’ Rs. 1,800 crore investment through BSNL will further enhance network infrastructure across Northeast India. Highlighting the government’s commitment to digital connectivity, Scindia affirmed, “BSNL will connect the last village in Assam with 4G and 5G networks.”
Additionally, under the Samridhi Gram Yojana, the government will establish one 5G Use Application Service in every block across Assam. These services will provide access to telemedicine and tele-education, ensuring that even the most remote communities benefit from advanced digital solutions. “Through these 5G applications, we aim to bridge the digital divide and bring essential services like education and healthcare to every child in rural Assam,” he added.
The Minister also announced the launch of a 5G Lab at Gauhati University which aims to foster research and skill development in next-generation telecom technologies, including 5G and beyond. By establishing cost-effective 5G test labs, the initiative will support innovative research, the development of new use cases and IPR generation, laying the groundwork for future advancements in 6G technology.
Beyond connectivity, Assam is positioning itself as a leader in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and semiconductor manufacturing, stated the Minister. Shri Scindia invited investors to participate in Assam’s digital revolution, emphasizing, “Assam’s growth is integral to India’s progress. Together, we can create new opportunities for the region and the nation.”
Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, also addressed the session, unveiling the state’s roadmap for becoming a national leader in IT and digital services. Stressing the importance of public-private partnerships, Dr. Sarma emphasized their role in accelerating Assam’s digital transformation.
The session also featured perspectives from key industry leaders, including Tarun Chhabra, SVP & Country Head, Nokia India; Sunil Dutt, President, Mobile Business & Devices, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.; and A. Robert J Ravi, CMD, BSNL. They outlined initiatives and collaborations aimed at enhancing Assam’s ICT infrastructure and driving widespread digital adoption.
