Guwahati: Assam has begun work on what is being described as one of the state’s biggest power-sector investments, with the foundation stone laid for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power project at Chapar in Dhubri district.
The project, being developed by Adani Power Limited, involves an estimated investment of ₹48,000 crore and is expected to substantially increase Assam’s electricity generation capacity. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the project marks a significant development in the state’s efforts to strengthen its power infrastructure and meet rising electricity demand.
Sarma said the project is an outcome of the investment commitments generated through the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit held 18 months earlier. In a post on social media, the Chief Minister described the 3,200 MW facility as Assam’s biggest-ever power project and said its generation capacity would be sufficient to meet the state’s power needs.
The Chapar plant will consist of four generating units, each with a capacity of 800 MW. The project will use ultra-supercritical technology, which is designed to operate at higher temperatures and pressures than conventional coal-based thermal power plants.
According to information released by Adani Power, the plant is scheduled to be commissioned in phases beginning in December 2030. The first 800 MW unit is expected to be followed by additional units, with the full 3,200 MW capacity targeted for completion by December 2032.
The project is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities. According to Adani Power, construction activity could create up to 20,000 jobs, while approximately 5,000 employment opportunities are expected after the plant becomes operational. The company has also highlighted opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and other businesses associated with the project.
The Chapar project forms part of a larger ₹63,000-crore power investment planned in Assam. Alongside the thermal power plant, the broader investment includes pumped-storage projects intended to add further capacity to the state’s energy infrastructure.
Adani Group Director Jeet Adani said the investment would support Assam’s growing electricity requirements and create opportunities for businesses and communities in the region. He also highlighted the state’s geographical advantages and its potential to play a larger role in the Northeast’s energy sector.
The new project comes as Assam’s electricity demand continues to increase alongside industrial development, urbanisation, electrification and expanding economic activity. Government projections have indicated that the state’s peak power requirement is expected to rise considerably over the coming years.
For Assam, the Chapar project represents a major expansion of generation infrastructure. Once all four units become operational, the facility will add 3,200 MW of installed thermal generation capacity to the state’s power sector, with commissioning planned in stages between 2030 and 2032.
