Assam Government Expands Infrastructure in Delhi with New Facilities
Expansion of Assam's Infrastructure in Delhi
Assam CM inspecting the site earmarked for the proposed Assam Cultural-cum-Convention Centre and Naamghar at Dwarka (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)
New Delhi, July 19: The Assam government is set to enhance its residential and support facilities across four major metropolitan areas in the country, with plans for seven dedicated establishments in the national capital.
During a media briefing in New Delhi on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the initiative to create seven new facilities in the capital, which will include new Assam Bhawans, hostels tailored for specific communities, and a cultural-cum-convention center.
Sarma elaborated on the expansion strategy, noting that New Delhi currently hosts two government facilities: Assam House and Assam Bhawan.
While Assam House has undergone renovations in recent years, the reconstruction of Assam Bhawan is anticipated to be finalized by the end of this year.
"The newly rebuilt Assam Bhawan will be ready by year-end and will accommodate the Resident Commissioner's office, along with spaces for Cabinet meetings and other governmental functions," he stated.
He added that relocating official activities to the new Assam Bhawan would free up significant space at Assam House for public use.
The Chief Minister mentioned that a third Assam Bhawan in Dwarka is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated around the time of Durga Puja.
"The third Assam Bhawan in Dwarka, alongside Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan, will provide lodging for approximately 40 individuals, primarily catering to patients from Assam seeking long-term treatment in Delhi," he explained.
According to Sarma, the Dwarka facility will feature dedicated dormitories for patients, students pursuing admissions, and others needing extended stays in the capital. Government officials will not be accommodated there to ensure the facility is primarily available for public use.
"We will also establish transport links between the Dwarka Assam Bhawan and the main Assam Bhawan," he added.
Once all ongoing projects are completed, nearly 200 individuals from Assam will be able to stay in government-managed facilities in New Delhi at any time.
Additionally, the government is considering the establishment of a separate Barak Bhawan in the national capital.
In addition to residential infrastructure, the Assam government is planning a significant cultural initiative in Dwarka.
The proposed Assam Cultural-cum-Convention Centre and naamghar will be constructed on land allocated in Sector 17, Dwarka, which has been acquired for approximately Rs 35 crore.
"We aim to build a 100-room accommodation facility where members of the Assamese community in Delhi can host events. We also plan to include a naamghar on the top floor," Sarma stated.
He described this as the state's fourth major project in the national capital, with construction expected to commence in January or February next year and take two to three years to complete.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the convention center would serve as a permanent cultural and community hub for Assamese residents and visitors in New Delhi.
Regarding accommodation fees, Sarma assured that affordability would be a priority.
"The cost of accommodation is more critical than the fees; we will set a base rate that will be significantly lower than hotel prices in New Delhi," he mentioned.
Later, in a social media post, Sarma highlighted that Assam is enhancing its presence in Delhi to better serve its residents.
"Assam will soon have seven dedicated spaces in New Delhi for our people visiting the national capital. In addition to the existing Assam House, three new complexes are being developed in Central Delhi and Dwarka, one of which will feature a Naamghar and convention hall," he wrote.
He also pointed out similar infrastructure projects in other parts of the country, noting that a new Assam Bhawan in Bangalore is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated this year.
Furthermore, a significant redevelopment project is underway on Russell Street in Kolkata, where a six-storey Assam House with 90 rooms is being constructed.