On September 21, 2026, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the foundation stone for Adani Power Limited’s ultra-supercritical thermal power project at Chapar in Dhubri district. This initiative, valued at Rs 48,000 crore, marks a significant investment in Assam’s power sector and industrial landscape.

The new plant is expected to enhance Assam’s electricity generation capacity considerably. It aims to create around 25,000 jobs during its construction phase and an additional 5,000 permanent positions upon full operation. CM Sarma described this event as a pivotal moment for the state’s energy sector transformation.

Significance and Expected Outcomes of the Project

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that the project is one of the largest thermal initiatives in Northeast India, indicating a shift towards greater industrial potential in Assam. He expressed optimism about the project’s future contributions to energy self-reliance in the state, saying it will help meet rising power demands while ensuring a reliable electricity supply.

Sarma pointed out the increase in Assam’s electricity consumption due to rapid industrial growth and domestic needs. He stated that the state’s peak electricity demand has surged to 3,026 MW, driven by various projects and growing residential demand. Currently, Assam generates only about 400 MW, necessitating power purchases from other states.

Once operational, the Chapar project is projected to significantly reduce this dependence on external power sources. CM Sarma anticipates the project will come online in phases, with an initial 800 MW generation expected by December 2030, followed by further increments until it reaches its full capacity of 3,200 MW by December 2032.

Broader Context of Employment and Industrial Growth

The Chief Minister underscored the vital role of the thermal power project in generating substantial employment opportunities, with potential for ancillary industries to thrive in the region. He noted that the BTR administration allocated 700 bighas of land for the project, enhancing its viability and surrounding industrial development.

Sarma referenced the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, where Assam secured investment proposals amounting to Rs 5.18 lakh crore. He mentioned that Gautam Adani initially committed Rs 50,000 crore, further increasing to Rs 80,000 crore. The ongoing projects signal a promising shift in the state’s industrial climate, which has historically faced challenges due to external perceptions of law and order.

Furthermore, Sarma addressed the state’s ongoing challenges regarding youth employment. With an estimated 6 lakh to 15 lakh young individuals working outside of Assam, he stressed that establishing more local industries is crucial for retaining talent within the state. The movement of young workers will only diminish with enhanced job opportunities available locally, he pointed out, adding that the government has initiated the ‘Shraddhanjali’ scheme to facilitate the dignified return of deceased individuals from outside Assam.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share