Assam's Vision for Power Surplus: A Comprehensive Energy Strategy

Assam has launched an ambitious initiative to become a power-surplus state, proposing over Rs 77,000 crore in energy projects. The state's budget outlines significant investments in thermal, hydro, solar, and pumped storage projects, aiming to enhance its energy infrastructure. Key projects include a major thermal power plant and multiple hydropower initiatives across various districts. The government also plans to improve transmission capabilities and reduce energy losses significantly. This comprehensive strategy marks a pivotal step in Assam's energy sector transformation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:23 IST

Ambitious Energy Roadmap Unveiled

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma along with Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah & others in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday

Guwahati, July 10: Assam has set forth an ambitious plan to achieve power surplus status for the first time in its history, proposing over Rs 77,000 crore in power generation, transmission, and storage projects in the coming years.

During the presentation of the State Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah outlined a detailed strategy aimed at enhancing the energy sector through significant investments in thermal, hydro, solar, pumped storage, and transmission infrastructure.

Among the key initiatives is a proposed thermal power plant at Bilasipara, which is expected to generate 3,200 MW at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore. Additionally, the state plans to establish 11 new small hydropower projects with a total capacity of 137.2 MW, requiring an investment of Rs 2,617 crore across various districts including Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Udalguri, Dima Hasao, Biswanath, and Sivasagar.

The government has also sanctioned four Pumped Storage Power (PSP) projects, which will collectively generate 4,900 MW, attracting nearly Rs 27,100 crore in private investment. These projects are set to be located in Tharakunchi and Baithalangso in West Karbi Anglong, Howraghat in Karbi Anglong, and Moti Hojai in Dima Hasao.

Solar energy initiatives will be enhanced with a 50 MW ground-mounted solar project in Sonitpur and a 25 MW solar project at Namrup in Dibrugarh, alongside a battery energy storage system in Kamrup.

To bolster evacuation and transmission capabilities, the Budget allocates Rs 4,600 crore for projects, which include a 400 kV evacuation system for the upcoming Chapar Thermal Power Project, new grid substations at Khumtai and Umrangsu, and the modernization of the Sarusajai substation.

Furthermore, the Budget revealed that the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project has commenced trial commissioning and is currently supplying approximately 55 MW to the grid, with full commissioning expected this month.

Looking forward, the government aims to expand by adding 15,000 circuit kilometers of transmission and distribution lines, establishing 120 new substations, and installing 20,000 high-voltage distribution transformers over the next five years. Additionally, it seeks to decrease transmission and distribution losses from the current 13.4% to around 8%.