Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Golaghat, Assam today. Speaking at the event, he extended greetings on Sharodiya Durga Puja and paid tribute to Srimanta Sankardev and revered Gurujanas.

Shri Modi noted that Assam’s energy sector is vital for India and highlighted projects worth approximately Rs 180 billion allocated to the state. Earlier, he laid foundation stones for connectivity and health projects in Darrang. The energy-focused initiatives inaugurated today aim to strengthen Assam’s development, accelerate industrial growth, and create new opportunities for farmers and youth.

Highlighting India’s growing energy needs, the Prime Minister said the nation has long relied on foreign imports of crude oil and gas, resulting in annual payments of billions abroad. He emphasised that India is now pursuing self-reliance, discovering domestic oil and gas reserves while advancing renewable energy. The ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative and the National Deepwater Exploration Mission were cited as steps to harness offshore resources.

Shri Modi underlined India’s progress in green energy, noting that the nation ranks among the top five globally in solar power capacity. He highlighted ethanol as an alternative fuel, announcing the new bamboo-based bioethanol plant, which will benefit farmers and tribal communities. Annual investment in the bamboo supply chain is projected at Rs 2 billion, supporting local chipping units and providing livelihoods to thousands.

On polypropylene, the Prime Minister emphasised its importance in everyday life—from buckets, ropes, and furniture to medical and automotive equipment. The new plant will strengthen ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’, boosting local manufacturing and enhancing Assam’s industrial profile.

Shri Modi highlighted Assam’s traditional industries, such as Eri and Muga silk, and stated that polypropylene-based textiles will now join the state’s industrial identity. He also underscored Assam’s role in the national Semiconductor Mission, with a semiconductor factory being established in Morigaon at an investment of Rs 270 billion, enhancing domestic chip manufacturing for electronics, vehicles, and space applications.

The Prime Minister contrasted the current government’s development approach with previous administrations, noting progress in preserving Assam’s cultural heritage, promoting education in local languages, and granting classical language status to Assamese. He highlighted the celebration of Veer Lachit Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary and unveiled his statue in Jorhat, affirming recognition for the state’s heroes.

On tourism, Shri Modi highlighted renovation of historic sites such as Rang Ghar and the development of Batadrava, Srimanta Sankardev’s birthplace, into world-class destinations. A Maa Kamakhya Corridor is also being developed, further enhancing Assam’s tourism potential and employment opportunities for youth.

Addressing social welfare, the Prime Minister stressed initiatives for tribal and marginalised communities, land rights under Mission Basundhara, housing for the poor, and provision of tap water. Welfare measures for tea garden workers, particularly women and children, were also highlighted, including health, education, and housing improvements, with billions of rupees invested.

Concluding, Shri Modi affirmed that Assam is entering a new era of development, poised to become a major centre for trade and tourism. He congratulated the people on the inauguration of these projects and reiterated the government’s commitment to building a developed Assam and a developed India.