Assam To Develop 11 Small Hydropower Projects, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Targets Power-Surplus Status

Guwahati: Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the Assam government will harness even the smallest hydropower potential in the state as part of its plan to strengthen energy security and achieve power-surplus status.

Participating in the general discussion on the Assam Budget 2026-27 in the Assembly, Sarma announced that the government will develop 11 small hydropower projects with a combined generation capacity of 137.2 MW at an estimated investment of Rs 2,617 crore.

The projects are proposed at Karbi Langpi Middle-I, Karbi Langpi Middle-II, Dhansiri, Lungnit, Disaidam, Bordikorai, Amring, Jenum, Klarang, Desang and Amphi, covering Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and other districts.

Sarma said the government's approach towards hydropower development has changed significantly and that Assam is now ready to tap even modest hydropower potential.

“Almost three years ago, Akhil Gogoi had raised questions on small hydropower projects. Today, we want to undertake such projects wherever there is potential, even if it is only one to four megawatts,” he said.

“We have committed Rs 77,000 crore for becoming a power-surplus state. Since Independence, and before I became Chief Minister, 14 Chief Ministers served Assam and together the State generated only about 450 MW of power. Today, we are envisioning generation of 8,457 MW,” he added.

The Chief Minister said adequate and reliable power supply would be essential for industrial growth, attracting investments and supporting Assam's economic transformation.

“Growth will only come when the State has industry, agricultural transformation, solutions to the flood problem and modernised education,” he said.

Assam's power infrastructure has been under increasing pressure as peak electricity demand has risen sharply in recent years due to expanding urban centres, higher household consumption and rapid industrial growth.

To meet future energy requirements, the State Budget has proposed a Rs 77,353-crore investment roadmap covering hydropower, solar energy, thermal generation and battery energy storage systems.

The plan also includes the proposed 3,200 MW thermal power project at Bilasipara, expansion of renewable energy capacity and several other hydropower projects across Assam.

The government is also investing nearly Rs 4,000 crore in substations, transmission corridors and modern distribution infrastructure to improve grid reliability and reduce outages as electricity demand continues to increase.