Assam Budget 2026-27 Unveils Aerotropolis, Semiconductor Hub, and Cancer Therapy Facility
The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in its second term, presented its Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Friday. The Budget, totaling Rs 2,85,084 crore, includes major projects such as an 'aerotropolis' satellite city near Guwahati's international airport, a semiconductor ecosystem initiative, and a proton therapy facility for cancer treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who presented the Budget, described it as 'revenue neutral'. In his speech, he outlined the government's five-year plan, which includes a commitment to create two lakh jobs in the broader public sector. A task force led by the Chief Secretary has been formed to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for this employment target.
Over Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for various flagship welfare schemes. However, Mallabaruah announced that any man practicing polygamy will be ineligible for benefits under these schemes, in a move aimed at promoting women's empowerment and gender justice. This follows the state's enactment of a Uniform Civil Code and legislation criminalising polygamy.
A significant announcement was the development of an 'Aerotropolis' around Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The government has allocated Rs 2,100 crore for land acquisition. The project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle called Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority (GSCDA), which will be fully government-owned. A new bridge over the Brahmaputra near the airport is expected to boost urban growth.
In healthcare, a proton therapy facility will be set up at GMCH with an investment of approximately Rs 550 crore, expected to be operational within three years. The government also plans a feasibility study for integrating a metro project along the existing Guwahati Ring Road.
On the industrial front, Tata Electronics' semiconductor assembly and testing facility in the state is expected to commence production soon. The government proposes to launch a 'Semiconductor Ecosystem on Manufacturing and Innovation project' in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with an outlay of around Rs 1,164 crore over five years. This project aims to create world-class infrastructure, attract global investments, generate employment, and strengthen MSMEs, positioning Assam as a key player in India's semiconductor revolution.
