Assam Govt gets land in South Mumbai; To develop infrastructure for benefit of Assamese
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Aug 25 (BVI): The Assam government has been allotted four bighas of land at a prime location in Mumbai by the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) on lease for a period of 60 years, according to Union Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal.
Located at the prime real estate of Colaba in South Mumbai, the land parcel will have infrastructure for the use and benefit of the citizens of Assam.
The development follows a written request from the Chief Secretary of Assam to the Union Ministry, seeking allocation of land for a dedicated centre or infrastructure project that can serve the long-term needs of the people of the state.
Speaking on the issue, Sonowal, former Chief Minister of Assam, said, “This is a people-first initiative. By making this land available to the Government of Assam for 60 years, we are enabling the creation of critical infrastructure that will serve generations to come. The project will be developed in line with the needs and aspirations of the people of Assam.”
He said the project will plug a big aspiration of the people of Assam to have an access in the Mumbai city that can serve the needs of people, be it patients, be it students or even entrepreneurs.
The Union Minister further informed that he had personally spoken to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the development.
“The Chief Minister expressed deep satisfaction and appreciated the Government of India’s support. He termed this step as a vital contribution to Assam’s growth story and a milestone in our shared commitment to improving the lives of the people,” added Sonowal who is a senior BJP leader from the state.
While the specific plans for development are under consideration, officials indicated that the focus will be on building infrastructure with high public utility — ranging from healthcare and educational needs to welfare and social service facilities as well as acting as an incubation centre for entrepreneurs.
The 60-year lease ensures the government has ample time and flexibility to plan and execute sustainable projects.
Sonowal underlined the vision guiding this initiative, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has always emphasised that the Northeast must become a powerhouse of growth, driven by empowerment of its people. Today’s decision is another step towards realising that vision of an inclusive and sustainable Atmanirbhar Northeast. Mumbai is a financial hub. With the development of this land parcel, we are confident that the entrepreneurs from the state can also have access to the opportunities from the maximum city.”
The newly allotted land will add fresh momentum to this development trajectory, ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots. (BVI)
