Guwahati, April 7: Assam is preparing to enter the space age with full support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In a significant meeting in New Delhi, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan discussed Assam’s plan to launch its own satellite—ASSAMSAT—marking a major step in the state’s tech-driven governance ambitions.
The meeting took place at Assam House, where Sarma shared the state’s roadmap for deploying the satellite in collaboration with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), under the Department of Space.
“ASSAMSAT will provide real-time, uninterrupted satellite data to support critical sectors like agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, border security, and police operations,” Sarma said.
ISRO Chairman Narayanan, accompanied by his wife, assured Sarma that the organisation would provide full technical and operational support for the mission. He also gave the Chief Minister a detailed briefing on the cryogenic GSLV launch system that could be used for deploying such satellites, including its role in the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
Later, the Chief Minister took to social media platform X, stating: “I had an enriching meeting with the very knowledgeable Chairman of @isro, V. Narayanan. ISRO is fully onboard to help Assam launch its first ever satellite. Tentatively, these will be low Earth orbit satellites that provide comprehensive coverage of the state. This will help in flood mitigation, policy planning and counter-infiltration efforts.”
He also revealed plans for a major space observatory in Chandrapur, Guwahati, with the first phase expected to be operational by January 2026.
Sarma reviews ₹25,000 cr expressway and Brahmaputra mega bridge
Apart from the satellite initiative, CM Sarma also held key infrastructure meetings in New Delhi. He met Dr. Krishan Kumar, MD of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), and reviewed progress on several mega projects in Assam.
The ₹25,000 crore Guwahati-Silchar Expressway
The 19.28-km, 4-lane Brahmaputra bridge between Dhubri (Assam) and Phulbari (Meghalaya)
The Numaligarh-Gohpur underwater tunnel project
Expansion of NH corridors from Baihata Chariali to Tezpur and Gohpur to Kulajan
“The CM stressed fast-tracking these strategic infrastructure projects to improve connectivity, cut travel time, and boost economic activities in Assam and the Northeast,” said an official.
Fertiliser boost
Namrup plant on track, CM meets secretary
In another key development, the Chief Minister met Union Fertiliser Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra to assess the timeline for the new ammonia-urea complex at Namrup under Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).
Sarma confirmed that the *brownfield project—worth ₹10,601.40 crore—*is on track for time-bound implementation following Union Cabinet clearance on March 19.
“Today in Delhi, Union Fertiliser Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra met me to discuss the progress of the Namrup fertiliser plant. This is vital for Assam’s agro-economy and employment generation,” Sarma posted on X.
