From a sleepy port town to power centre, Dibrugarh poised for unprecendeted growth

Dibrugarh: The emergence of Dibrugarh as Assam's second power centre is expected to change the landscape of the upper Assam region thoroughly. Known for its tea, oil, and coal industries, the district is now set to witness unprecedented growth in infrastructure, governance and economic activity.
"This move will not only benefit Dibrugarh but also the entire upper Assam region.It's a win-win for everyone. The nine districts of upper Assam will see remarkable benefits as govt services become more accessible to the local population. Moreover, the vision to transform Dibrugarh into a thriving metropolis will serve as a catalyst for development across upper Assam," said state power minister and Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan.
The town's strategic location in upper Assam makes it an ideal center for trade and commerce, particularly with neighbouring states and countries like Myanmar. The tea industry, which has been the backbone of Dibrugarh's economy, is likely to receive a significant boost, along with the oil and coal sectors.
Eastern Assam Chambers of Commerce & Industries (EACCI) president and Dibrugarh resident Bhaskar Gogoi said, "Dibrugarh has always been a hub for tea, oil, and coal. With this announcement, we can expect more industries to set up shop here, creating jobs and boosting the local economy."
Daisy Konwar, an economist at Dibrugarh University, said, "This move will create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. The influx of govt officials, support staff, and associated services will boost the local economy significantly. However, the city needs to prepare for this growth with adequate infrastructure and urban planning."
The economic implications of this decision are expected to be far-reaching. Local real estate prices are expected to rise after the announcement.
"We're seeing increased interest from investors and developers. The demand for both commercial and residential properties is likely to surge as government offices and related businesses establish their presence here," said Abhijit Baruah, a prominent real estate consultant.
For students and young professionals, the decision holds the promise of better educational and career opportunities. "I've always wanted to work in a thriving city without having to move to Guwahati or outside Assam. Dibrugarh becoming the second capital gives me hope that I can achieve my dreams right here," said Chayanika Sarmah, a student of Manohari Devi Kanoi Girls' (MDKG) College, Dibrugarh.
Mayor Saikat Patra hailed the decision as a "game-changer" for Dibrugarh. "This is a historic moment for our town. Becoming the second capital will bring immense opportunities for growth and development. We are ready to embrace this new chapter. Dibrugarh's rich history and cultural significance, coupled with its economic potential, make it a fitting choice for Assam's second capital. We're looking at a complete transformation of Dibrugarh's urban landscape. The city will need to prepare for increased population density, commercial activities, and administrative functions," Patra said.
The CM had earlier said the govt is exploring alternative routes to reduce travel time between Guwahati and Dibrugarh from the current eight hours to five hours. Future plans for an express highway connecting the two cities are also in the anvil. The improved connectivity, combined with existing air and rail links, with two daily direct flights between Dibrugarh and Guwahati (Air India and Indigo) and three Rajdhani trains operating at present, is expected to position Dibrugarh as a major business hub in the northeast.
As Dibrugarh stands on the cusp of the historic transformation, the coming years will be crucial in determining how the British-era river port town evolves into a modern administrative capital while preserving its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.