Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, 10 August announced an additional allocation of ₹100 crore for the Guwahati Science City project at Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati, after conducting an on-site review of construction progress. The funds will be used to expand infrastructure and visitor facilities at the ambitious science and education centre, which is being built across more than 150 bighas of land.

Key Developments

Sarma inspected ongoing works at the site and chaired a review meeting with departmental officials to assess progress and map out the next phase of construction. He confirmed that the Science City is expected to be fully completed by March 2027. The additional ₹100 crore will fund several new components, including a digital panorama, a convention centre, a musical fountain, and parking infrastructure, along with other visitor-facing amenities designed to make the centre more engaging.

Who Is Behind the Project

The Science City is being jointly developed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Assam Department of Science and Technology. Sarma said that once all planned components are in place, Guwahati Science City is expected to rank among the finest such facilities in the country. He urged residents — particularly school and college students — to visit and engage with its science and educational offerings.

Improving Public Access

To address connectivity, the Assam government is reportedly considering a dedicated Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) bus service linking Guwahati city with the Science City. Sarma indicated a decision on the proposed service would be taken shortly. Improved public transport access is seen as critical to ensuring the facility serves a broad cross-section of visitors beyond those with private vehicles.

Zubeen Garg Memorial Also Reviewed

Following the Science City inspection, Sarma visited 'Zubeen Khetra' at Komarkuchi in Sonapur — the proposed memorial site for late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg. He reviewed construction progress with officials from the Public Works Department and the project architect, and directed authorities to complete the boundary wall at the earliest. Sarma noted that finishing the boundary wall would allow subsequent works — including an open-air theatre and landscaping — to commence without further delay.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta, Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika, Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai, and senior government officials during both inspections. The twin site visits signal the state government's sustained focus on building major public and cultural infrastructure in the Sonapur corridor. With a firm March 2027 deadline now on record, execution in the coming months will be closely watched.