Ambari, Guwahati

Assam tabled a bill to create an authority for developing satellite cities around Guwahati. The Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority Bill, 2026, aims to establish a specialized body for strategic planning and integrated development of these new urban hubs.

The Assam government has introduced the Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority Bill, 2026, to create a specialized body for the strategic planning and integrated development of satellite cities around Guwahati. This initiative aims to decongest the state capital, improve urban life, and manage rapid urbanization and increasing housing demand.

The 1.49-kilometer-long New Saraighat Bridge, constructed parallel to the historic Saraighat Bridge, has become a crucial transportation link for Assam. It helps ease traffic congestion and improves connectivity between North and South Guwahati, strengthening movement along the East-West Corridor on National Highway-27.

Residents of South-East Guwahati are frustrated with the decade-long delay and non-operational status of a water supply project initiated in 2013. A recent government study has identified areas along Guwahati's southern growth corridor, including GS Road, the Guwahati Bypass, and Fatasil Ambari Road, as the most heat-stressed zones due to rapid urban expansion.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state has been constructing an average of 13 kilometers of roads daily and five bridges weekly since 2021, enhancing regional connectivity. Assam's newly announced Green Building incentive policy, including additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) benefits for IGBC-certified projects, is a step towards inculcating Green practices.

The new, Rs 4,000-crore terminal building at Guwahati airport will become operational from February 22, 2026, with domestic and international flights expected to operate from the new terminal by March, and the old terminal to be repurposed as a cargo hub. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also signed a concession agreement worth Rs 7,000 crore for the development of the 121-km Guwahati Ring Road.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the success of the 'Asom Mala' road infrastructure program in upgrading Assam's road network, leading to faster travel, smoother logistics, and stronger inter-district and inter-state connectivity. This initiative aims to upgrade, widen, and modernize key state highways and major district roads, improving connectivity to economic hubs, border areas, and remote regions.