Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday visited the Namrup fertiliser complex in Assam’s Dibrugarh district to review preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on December 21. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the long-awaited fourth fertiliser plant at Namrup, a project seen as a turning point for Assam’s industrial and agricultural growth.
₹10,000 Crore Investment at Existing Namrup Complex
The new fertiliser unit will be developed as a brownfield ammonia-urea complex at the existing premises of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited (BVFCL). With an investment exceeding ₹10,000 crore, the project is expected to significantly strengthen fertiliser production capacity in the Northeast and eastern India.
Officials said the plant will have an annual production capacity of about 1.25 million metric tonnes. Once operational, it will reduce dependence on distant fertiliser production centres and ensure timely availability of urea for farmers across the region.
Review of Preparations and Coordination
During the site inspection, Sonowal reviewed the progress of preliminary works and interacted with officials from the district administration, state government and other stakeholder departments. He emphasised the importance of seamless coordination to ensure that the Prime Minister’s visit and the foundation stone ceremony are conducted smoothly.
The Union Minister also took stock of security preparedness and crowd management plans. Officials were directed to adhere to timelines and ensure that all arrangements reflect the significance of the project for Assam and the Northeast.
Decades-Old Demand of Assam Fulfilled
Speaking after the review, Sonowal said the fourth fertiliser plant at Namrup represents the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people of Assam. He noted that the demand for an additional unit at Namrup had been pending for decades.
“Under the visionary and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a decades-old demand of the people of Assam has finally been fulfilled,” Sonowal said. He added that the project reflects the Centre’s deep commitment to the Northeast and to strengthening India’s agricultural and industrial self-reliance.
Boost to Farmers and Employment
The new fertiliser plant is expected to play a critical role in improving fertiliser security for the Northeast. By enhancing local production, the project will help ensure timely supply during peak agricultural seasons, benefiting farmers and boosting productivity.
In addition to supporting agriculture, the project is projected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment during construction and operation. Officials said the initiative would create new opportunities for local youth and skilled workers in and around Dibrugarh.
Part of Broader Development Push
Sonowal also highlighted the broader development push in Assam and the Northeast under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He pointed to major investments in connectivity, infrastructure and industrial capacity that have transformed the region’s economic landscape.
According to the Union Minister, projects like the Namrup fertiliser plant are not isolated initiatives but part of an integrated approach to drive inclusive growth, support farmers and create sustainable livelihoods.
Senior Leaders Accompany Minister
The inspection was attended by several senior leaders and officials, including Assam ministers Prashanta Phukan and Jogen Mohan, along with local MLAs and representatives of civic and development bodies. Officials from the Dibrugarh district administration were also present.
Sonowal directed all concerned departments to work with full dedication to ensure a flawless foundation-laying ceremony. “The Prime Minister’s visit to Namrup is a moment of pride for Assam,” he said, stressing the need to reflect the government’s transformational development agenda.
New Chapter for Assam’s Industrial Growth
The Namrup fertiliser project is widely seen as opening a new chapter in Assam’s industrial journey. By strengthening fertiliser availability and boosting industrial capacity, it is expected to contribute to national goals of enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes.
