DIBRUGARH: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Sunday that the district headquarters town of Dibrugarh, located 478km east of Guwahati, will be developed into the state’s second capital within the next three years.
The move is part of a larger plan to distribute administrative functions more evenly, enhance development in the state, and cater to the diverse population. It is also viewed as an outreach strategy before next year’s assembly elections in Assam.
Shillong served as Assam’s capital during the British colonial era and remained so until Meghalaya was created in 1972. In 1973, the capital was officially shifted to Dispur in Guwahati. The CM made the announcement during state govt’s official Republic Day celebrations held for the first time in Dibrugarh. “I feel privileged to unfurl the national flag at Republic Day celebrations in Dibrugarh. In the next three years, Dibrugarh will become an important city in India,” said Sarma.
He said a permanent assembly building would be built in Dibrugarh, with the foundation stone to be laid on Jan 25 next year. Starting in 2027, one annual assembly session will be held in the city to establish it as a political hub.
States and UTs like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and J&K follow the dual capital system.