PM Modi Inaugurates Bioethanol Plant, Lays Foundation for Polypropylene Unit at Numaligarh, Assam

Golaghat, Assam, September 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid the foundation stone for a Polypropylene Plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat, calling the projects a milestone in India’s journey toward energy self-reliance and sustainable growth.

The Prime Minister said the ₹18,000-crore projects allocated to Assam would not only boost the state’s industrial growth but also create new opportunities for farmers and youth. He noted that the bamboo-based bioethanol plant will provide steady income for local farmers and tribal communities, with the government earmarking nearly ₹200 crore annually for the sector.

“India has embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant in meeting its energy needs,” Modi said, underlining that while the country had long depended on imports of crude oil and gas, the government is now simultaneously enhancing domestic exploration and expanding renewable energy capabilities. He added that India today ranks among the world’s top five nations in solar power capacity.

Emphasising the importance of Assam in India’s energy and industrial landscape, Modi said the polypropylene unit would strengthen “Make in Assam and Make in India,” supporting a wide range of industries including textiles, automotive, medical kits, and packaging. He said Assam’s traditional identity, known for Gamosa and Eri-Muga silk, will now be linked with polypropylene-based textiles.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Assam’s growing role in the Semiconductor Mission, noting the ₹27,000-crore semiconductor factory under construction in Morigaon as a source of pride. “Energy and semiconductors are the two key pillars of self-reliance, and Assam is playing a significant role in both,” he said.

Touching on Assam’s heritage, Modi said his government was committed to preserving cultural icons such as Srimanta Sankardev’s birthplace at Batadrava, the historic Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, and the Maa Kamakhya Corridor, while also expanding tourism and employment opportunities.

Criticising past governments for neglecting Assam’s growth and heritage, he asserted that the current administration was correcting “historic injustices” faced by tribal and tea garden communities. He highlighted welfare measures including land rights under Mission Basundhara, housing for over 20 lakh families, safe drinking water supply, and health initiatives for tea garden workers.

“Assam is poised to become a major centre for trade, tourism, and industry,” Modi said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to building a developed Assam and a developed India.

The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Hardeep Singh Puri, along with other dignitaries.