State government boosts funding for Sonapur project, outlines new visitor facilities
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inspected ongoing works at the Guwahati Science City at Sonapur in Kamrup (Metro) district and announced that the State Government will provide an additional ₹100 crore to develop new attractions and infrastructure. The construction, officials said, is being carried out on more than 150 bighas of land and is expected to be completed in full by March 2027.
"The project will be completed in its entirety by March 2027."
During a review meeting with departmental authorities, the Chief Minister set out the next phase of works to make the Science City more engaging for visitors. The additional allocation will be used for amenities and attractions that officials said are intended to appeal to a wide age range, particularly school and college students.
- Planned additions include a digital panorama, a convention centre, a musical fountain and parking facilities.
- The project is a joint effort by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Assam.
- The State is considering introducing a dedicated Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) bus service from Guwahati to the Science City to improve access.
Officials present and local implications
The Chief Minister was accompanied by several ministers, including Keshab Mahanta (Science and Technology), Pijush Hazarika (Agriculture), and Kaushik Rai (Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs), among other senior officials, as the review proceeded. Work at the complex has been underway since its formal inauguration five months ago, officials noted.
Local civic planners and educators have for some time highlighted the potential of a fully developed Science City to serve as an experiential learning hub for the region. If completed as envisaged, the facility is expected to become a focal point for school excursions, informal science education and conventions — applications that government sources emphasised while underlining accessibility improvements.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sonapur, Kamrup (Metro) district |
| Area | More than 150 bighas |
| New funding | ₹100 crore (additional) |
| Key planned facilities | Digital panorama, convention centre, musical fountain, parking |
| Timeline | Completion targeted by March 2027 |
| Implementing agencies | Ministry of Culture (GoI) & Department of Science and Technology (Govt of Assam) |
Access and outreach considerations
The Chief Minister urged people of all ages, especially school and college students, to visit the Science City once the planned works are complete. He also said the State Government is considering running a dedicated ASTC bus service from Guwahati to the venue; a decision on that proposal is expected shortly, officials indicated.
For Guwahati residents, the enhanced facilities could mean greater visitor traffic to Sonapur, new employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, and improved amenities in the surrounding area. The State's push to make the facility a prominent science education destination aligns with broader efforts to expand experiential science learning infrastructure in the North-East.
Officials framed the additional funding and firm completion target as part of a concentrated effort to ensure the Science City becomes a well-equipped, accessible centre for learning, tourism and events once all elements are brought together.
