Assam Chief Minister Advocates Optical Fibre Link from Bay of Bengal via Brahmaputra

Guwahati, Feb 25 (NationPress) Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Tuesday that in this age of digital communication, connectivity is essential for development, and Assam is resolute in spearheading this transformation to foster rapid growth within the state.

The Chief Minister proposed establishing an optical fibre connection from the Bay of Bengal via the Brahmaputra river to meet the growing demand for high-speed data in Assam, following a series of investment agreements.

During a thematic session titled “I-Way to Viksit Assam” at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, attended by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, CM Sarma expressed that Assam is fully prepared to be a key player in the digital revolution with the support of the Union government.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, India is experiencing an extraordinary digital revolution, Sarma noted.

To keep pace with this transformation, he shared his administration's strategy to expand cyber infrastructure across the state.

Highlighting the increasing demand for data, CM Sarma urged Union Minister Scindia to investigate the viability of the optical fibre connection from the Bay of Bengal through the Brahmaputra.

Once realized, this initiative could be a significant breakthrough in securing fast and reliable data access in Assam, he emphasized.

Moreover, he mentioned that as BPOs relocate from Tier-1 to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat will see a surge in BPO establishments and the corresponding demand for high-speed data within the next two to three years.

CM Sarma reflected on the Digital India Mission, which was launched a decade ago by the Prime Minister with the aim of empowering every citizen through digital means.

He praised the Prime Minister's vision to ensure the benefits of digitalization reach all strata of society, especially the marginalized.

On Tuesday, PM Modi mentioned on his X account, “Participated in the Advantage Assam Summit. Over the past decade, Assam has undergone remarkable development, making it a desirable investment hub. This Summit will significantly showcase growth opportunities across various sectors in the state.”

CM Sarma also revealed that the Assam government plans to connect 25,250 villages with optical fibre.

He requested Union Minister Scindia’s assistance to expedite the project for the benefit of farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Guided by the Prime Minister’s strategic vision, the Assam government is dedicated to establishing a robust ecosystem that transforms the digital landscape of Assam.

He stated, “We aspire to transition from 'I-way to a Viksit Assam', opening up new avenues and promoting comprehensive development throughout the state.”

Furthermore, recognizing the pivotal role of the IT and telecom sectors in propelling economic growth, enhancing education, and improving governance, the state government has initiated bold measures to modernize these sectors, focusing on bridging the digital divide and enhancing accessibility to telecom services across the state.

CM Sarma noted that with the semiconductor facility taking shape in Jagiroad, Assam is emerging as a hub for various opportunities.

He highlighted the interest of Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran in establishing a mobile manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 30,000 crore, ensuring job opportunities for the youth within the state.

Expressing gratitude to Union Minister Scindia for his support, he remarked that the I-way in Assam has seen unprecedented advancement because of him.

Thus, he affirmed that the Assam government is fully prepared to leverage the I-way as a catalyst in realizing a Viksit Assam.