Guwahati, April 4: In a major boost to Assam’s science and education infrastructure, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday confirmed that the first phase of the Guwahati Science City project at Sonapur will be completed and inaugurated by December 2025.
He also assured the Assam government that additional central funds will be released soon to expedite the remaining work.
Shekhawat, who oversees the Centre’s Science Museum Scheme, held a key review meeting in New Delhi with Assam Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta to take stock of the project’s progress.
The Science City is being developed as a national-level science museum under the Ministry of Culture, with financial support from both the Centre and the Assam government.
“I am closely monitoring the progress of this project. I will instruct our officials to ensure all necessary steps are taken so that we can inaugurate the Guwahati Science City by December. Additional funds will also be provided to fast-track the remaining construction,” said Shekhawat during the meeting.
Minister Mahanta briefed the Union Minister that construction of the first phase—comprising three main buildings—is nearly complete and that the Assam government, under the direction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has taken proactive steps to complete the remaining external development, including road connectivity.
He also noted that the state has already committed ₹143 crore to the project and is now focused on facilitating equipment installation and site readiness. Mahanta urged the Centre to begin installing state-of-the-art museum exhibits and scientific installations after August, to keep the December inauguration timeline on track.
Responding positively, Shekhawat said he would immediately direct officials in the Ministry of Culture to initiate necessary procedures for funding and logistics.
Also present at the meeting was Dr. Jaydeep Baruah, Director of the Assam Council of Science, Technology and Environment (ASTECH) and CEO of the Science City Project, who emphasized the importance of timely fund flow and coordination to meet project milestones.
The Guwahati Science City is poised to become a regional hub for science education, innovation, and public engagement, especially for students and researchers in Northeast India. Once operational, it will offer interactive exhibits, immersive learning zones, and advanced science communication tools – making science accessible and engaging for all age groups.
