The Assam Cabinet has approved the creation of a State Capital Region in Dibrugarh and decided to set up a dedicated development authority to oversee its future growth and infrastructure planning. The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held after the recent expansion of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led ministry. The move is aimed at supporting Dibrugarh’s growing role as Assam’s second capital and ensuring planned urban development in and around the city. The government believes that a structured development framework will be necessary as administrative activities and public infrastructure continue to expand in the region. According to the Cabinet decision, the proposed State Capital Region will include areas located within a 20-kilometre radius of the Dibrugarh Capital Complex. To manage development within this zone, the government has approved the formation of the State Capital Region Development Authority, Dibrugarh (SCRDA-D).
The newly constituted authority will be responsible for preparing regional and sectoral development plans, identifying future growth corridors and guiding urban expansion linked to the development of the second capital region. Officials said the authority will play a key role in coordinating infrastructure projects and ensuring that growth takes place in a planned and sustainable manner. As part of the arrangement, the MLA of Dibrugarh will serve as the ex-officio chairman of the authority and will enjoy Cabinet rank. The government said this would help ensure closer coordination between local administration and the state government in implementing development plans. To support the region’s transformation, the Cabinet has also approved a financial commitment of Rs 500 crore over the next five years. The amount will be provided in addition to the funds already being spent on ongoing development projects in and around Dibrugarh. The allocation is expected to be used for strengthening infrastructure and improving public facilities as the city prepares for a larger administrative role. Roads, urban services, connectivity and other key infrastructure sectors are likely to receive attention under the proposed development framework.
The government said the creation of the State Capital Region and the dedicated authority would help guide future growth in a systematic manner while creating the infrastructure needed to support increasing administrative and economic activities in Dibrugarh. The decision marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to develop Dibrugarh as a major administrative and growth centre while ensuring that urban expansion is planned and supported by adequate infrastructure.
