Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the next phase of Guwahati's urban expansion will focus on developing a network of interconnected satellite cities to decongest the state capital and improve the quality of urban life. In a post on the social media platform X, Sarma said the proposed urban hubs would support Guwahati's growing population and economic aspirations while ensuring planned, sustainable development.
"The next phase of Guwahati's urbanisation will be a network of thriving, interconnected satellite cities to help decongest the capital and improve the ease of living," the Chief Minister said. He announced that the newly constituted Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority will be responsible for planning, designing and financing these satellite townships.
According to the Chief Minister, the authority will oversee the development of new urban centres around Guwahati with a focus on housing, industrial growth, logistics infrastructure and future-ready urban planning. An official presentation shared by the Chief Minister stated that the authority will implement the development of satellite cities around Guwahati to boost housing, industries and logistics while supporting the state's long-term economic growth.
The proposed urban hubs will emphasise planned urban growth, appropriate financing mechanisms and infrastructure development, keeping future expansion in mind. The initiative comes amid rapid urbanisation in Guwahati, where a rising population, traffic congestion and increasing housing demand have placed pressure on civic infrastructure over the past decade.
The state government has in recent years undertaken several infrastructure projects, including new flyovers, road widening, riverfront development and expansion of connectivity to neighbouring areas, to accommodate the city's growth. Officials argued that the satellite city model will help distribute economic activity beyond the city limits, reduce pressure on existing infrastructure and create new investment opportunities in surrounding regions.
The government expects the new authority to prepare comprehensive development plans and coordinate with multiple departments to ensure integrated urban expansion. The initiative is also expected to strengthen Guwahati's position as the commercial gateway to the Northeast while promoting balanced regional development through planned urbanisation.