Assam unveiled a power sector investment roadmap in the 2026-27 state Budget proposing Rs 77,353 crore, equal to Rs 773,530 million (mn) or Rs 773.53 billion (bn), to expand generation, storage and transmission. The Finance Minister said the strategy will boost capacity through thermal, hydro and solar projects alongside storage and grid upgrades. The plan responds to rising electricity demand and aims to strengthen network resilience.

One major proposal is a pumped storage programme backed by Rs 27,100 crore, equal to Rs 271,000 million (mn) or Rs 271 bn, to deliver 4,900 megawatt (MW) of capacity. The Budget also proposes Rs 40,000 crore, equal to Rs 400,000 million (mn) or Rs 400 bn, for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal plant that would be among the state’s largest. These measures aim to provide baseload and peaking support.

Renewable energy proposals include 137 MW of small hydropower, 75 MW of solar capacity and a 25 MW Battery Energy Storage System in Kamrup district. 11 small hydropower projects are planned across Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Udalguri, Biswanath and Sivasagar districts, while new solar installations are proposed in Sonitpur and Namrup. The 120 MW Lower Kopili hydroelectric project has entered trial commissioning.

On transmission, the state has proposed Rs 4,600 crore, equal to Rs 46,000 million (mn) or Rs 46 bn, for new 400 kV corridors and grid substations. Over five years Assam plans to add nearly 15,000 circuit kilometres of transmission and distribution lines, establish 120 substations and install about 20,000 High Voltage Distribution Systems to improve reliability. The government aims to reduce transmission and distribution losses from the current 13.4 per cent to eight per cent.

Private investment is expected to complement state spending, with awarded projects that include a 3,200 MW thermal plant and 2,700 MW of pumped storage capacity. Officials indicated the combined initiatives are intended to accelerate capacity growth, attract further investment and enhance energy security for the state.