(MENAFN- KNN India) Dispur, Nov 3 (KNN) The North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati was launched in Assam on Sunday, along with development projects valued at Rs 635 crore.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia said Assam is emerging as the innovation and connectivity hub of a 'Viksit Purvottar', adding that the state has transitioned from being a gateway to the Northeast to a driver of technological and economic growth.

The Minister launched development initiatives totalling Rs 635 crore aimed at boosting connectivity and infrastructure, including the construction of 65 new secondary school buildings (Rs 455 crore), upgradation of the Chayagaon–Ukium Road (Rs 102.69 crore), construction of an RCC bridge at Silonijan–Dhansiri Par Ghat (Rs 20.59 crore), and development of new industrial estates in Kokrajhar (Rs 14.40 crore) and Baksa (Rs 18.40 crore).

The NEST Cluster, set up with an investment of Rs 22.98 crore, is designed to serve as a regional innovation hub supporting grassroots innovation, semiconductor and AI research, bamboo-based technologies, and biodegradable plastics.

The facility will complement existing DoNER initiatives such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, which aim to expand scientific exposure and youth engagement in the region.

Scindia highlighted recent efforts to improve connectivity and economic opportunity in the Northeast, citing investments of over Rs 6.2 lakh crore in the region under the 10 percent Gross Budgetary Support policy.

He referenced major infrastructure projects including the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multimodal Logistics Park, as well as connectivity gains under the Act East Policy, noting a sharp reduction in travel time between Kolkata and Agartala via Bangladesh.

He also pointed to recent project announcements worth Rs 6,500 crore in Darrang and Rs 18,530 crore across Assam.

(KNN Bureau)

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