Assam to create district‑level land banks to lure industrial investors

Assam’s government plans to set up land banks in each district to make industrial land readily available for investors, the chief minister said during the inauguration of PepsiCo India’s new food‑manufacturing facility.

Chief Minister’s statement

“We need land. Many industries want to come to Assam, but due to the absence of suitable land, they could not come. So, now we are trying to create land banks. Wherever there is land, we will take industries there,” said Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The comment was made at the launch of the Rs 787‑crore PepsiCo plant in Banekuchi, Nalbari, and was posted on the Assam Tribune’s official Instagram page.

Existing land holdings under AIDC

The Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) already maintains a land bank comprising several parcels across the state. Key assets listed on AIDC’s portal include:

• AIDC Head‑quarter complex on R.G. Baruah Road, Guwahati (7 bigha 4 katha 13 lessa) – earmarked for a multistoried commercial complex.
• AIDC Store Yard on G.S. Road, Guwahati (3 bigha 2 katha 4 lessa) – proposal for a commercial and business hub.
• N.E. Tannery land near Jorabat (17 bigha 0 katha 10 lessa) – under lease for a resort or other economic activity.
• Export Promotion Industrial Park, Changsari (197 bigha) – infrastructure already created.
• Industrial Growth Centre, Matia (1 762 bigha) – infrastructure already created.
• Industrial Growth Centre, Balipara (1 199 bigha) – infrastructure already created.
• Land at No. 2 Pipol Pukhuri, Lanka (847.22 bigha) – leased to Dalmia Bharat Cement for a cement project.

These holdings demonstrate a foundation of state‑owned land that could be mobilised for the proposed district‑level banks.

National industrial park framework

India’s broader industrial park strategy provides context for Assam’s move. According to a Press Information Bureau release, the country has mapped over 4 500 industrial parks covering 7.70 lakh hectares, with 1.35 lakh hectares still available for allocation. The Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) 3.0 now emphasises sustainability, green infrastructure and digitalisation, guiding park development across states.

Potential impact

By creating district‑specific land banks, Assam aims to streamline land acquisition, reduce project lead times and attract investments similar to the PepsiCo plant. The existing AIDC assets could be repurposed or expanded, while the national park rating system may help ensure new parks meet sustainability standards.

Stakeholders will watch for detailed implementation guidelines, timelines and budget allocations, which have not yet been disclosed.