Assam to develop land banks and industrial estates to boost investment

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to establish strategic land banks and industrial estates to overcome land shortages that have hindered industrial investment in the state. The government intends to prioritize locations near highways and railway stations to improve connectivity for manufacturing units.

The announcement coincided with the inauguration of a Rs 787-crore PepsiCo India food manufacturing facility in Banekuchi, Nalbari. This facility is expected to create over 200 direct and 500 indirect jobs, with approximately 75% of the workforce being women. The project is also anticipated to benefit local potato farmers.

Sarma noted that Assam has attracted approximately Rs 3 lakh crore in investments across sectors such as hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, energy, mining, and electronics, which have the potential to generate employment for roughly 100,000 people. The state aims to strengthen its manufacturing base to reduce workforce dependence on employment outside Assam.