Dibrugarh Named Second Capital, Assam’s New Political Move ?

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unfurled the National Flag at Khanikar Parade Ground in Dibrugarh on the 76th Republic Day, marking the first time that state-level Republic Day celebrations have taken place in the historic city in eastern Assam.

“Today is an important day in Dibrugarh’s journey to become the second capital of Assam. For the first time, state celebrations are taking place in this historical city,” he said.

Dibrugarh to Become Assam’s Second Capital

In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister declared that Assam would develop Dibrugarh as its second capital within three years. Furthermore, Sarma confirmed that starting in 2027, the Assam assembly will hold one session annually in Dibrugarh. In addition, the construction of a permanent assembly building on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra will begin on January 25, 2026.

“Dibrugarh will be the second capital of Assam in the next three years. From January 25 next year, the construction work for a permanent building of the Assam assembly will begin. In the next three years, Dibrugarh will become an important city in India,” Sarma stated.

Our announcement to upgrade Dibrugarh as a full fledged city and transform it as Assam’s second capital is backed by solid ground work to ensure Ease of Living and connectivity.

Laid foundation stones of 4 flyovers spanning 4.4km worth ₹377cr in the city a while back. pic.twitter.com/5ctUsK5VIf

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 26, 2025

The government will establish a Raj Bhavan in Tezpur that would make it the cultural capital and a secretariat in Silchar to bridge the gap between Barak Valley and Guwahati. “Silchar will have a secretariat and chief secretary’s office, thereby bridging the gap between Barak Valley and Guwahati,” he added.
Massive Infrastructure Push in Dibrugarh

Marking a milestone in urban development, Sarma laid the foundation stones of four major flyovers in Dibrugarh. These four flyovers, with a total length of 4.4 km, have an estimated cost of Rs 377 crore. Moreover, they aim to boost urban mobility and connectivity.

He said that these developments aim to enhance the Ease of Living through detailed planning. “Our announcement to upgrade Dibrugarh as a full-fledged city and transform it as Assam’s second capital is well grounded in ensuring Ease of Living and connectivity,” he declared in a post on X.

Promise made. Promise delivered.

Tweeting this from Dibrugarh where I will unfurl the Tiranga in a short while from now. 🇮🇳 https://t.co/FcZkEEhvtv

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 26, 2025

Dibrugarh: From Conflict to Progress

Reflecting on the transformation of the city, Sarma said, “Once curfewed and boycotted, Dibrugarh today proudly stands as the center of Republic Day celebrations in Assam. This is a remarkable journey that reflects the strength of the world’s greatest Republic Bharat,” he posted.
Assam’s Global Outreach

The development comes in the wake of Sarma’s recent two-nation tour to Japan as part of the Advantage Assam Roadshow. During the visit, he interacted with the industry leaders for investments. Sarma met Takeshi Okubo of Tokyo Electron, inviting the semiconductor leader to expand its base in Assam’s Electronic City. He also had talks with Yoshiaki Asakura, Vice President of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, urging the company to enhance its operations in Assam’s energy sector.

Additionally, Sarma discussed opportunities for Assamese youth with Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Akiko Ikuina, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating global opportunities.

Political Aspects of Announcement

Strengthening Political Influence in Upper Assam

Dibrugarh is an important political and economic center in Upper Assam. The ruling party, under Himanta Biswa Sarma, may want to consolidate its political support in this region by developing it as the second capital. It would strengthen the party’s influence in areas that have been less developed compared to the central and western parts of Assam, thus securing broader regional backing ahead of future elections.

Boosting Regional Politics and Support

The move may aim to appease political constituencies in Upper Assam, where people have always perceived themselves as sidelined in terms of administrative importance. As a result, this may appeal to the electorate and local leaders in the region, encouraging them to support the Chief Minister a little more. Consequently, it could strengthen the Chief Minister’s position in the state’s diverse political landscape.

Symbolic Assertion of Development and Progress

By announcing the building of a second capital in Dibrugarh, the government is signaling its commitment to a more inclusive and progressive vision for Assam. This, therefore, might be a politically motivated move to position the state as modern and forward-thinking, catering to the aspirations of people from various regions, especially in the face of opposition from regional parties.

The state’s urbanization scheme, moreover, includes Tezpur and Silchar along with Dibrugarh. Last year, Chief Minister Sarma had officially launched the first CM secretariat outside Guwahati in Dibrugarh town as a starting point for the city’s strategic position in the state’s development plan.