- Jagiroad is transforming from a defunct paper mill town into a semiconductor hub by 2026
- The Nagaon Paper Mill shutdown in 2015-16 left thousands jobless and the area economically stagnant
- Tata Electronics is investing Rs 27,000 crore to build a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Jagiroad
In a major push to industrial revival ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections, the BJP has placed the town of Jagiroad at the centre of its development narrative, showcasing the transformation of the defunct paper mill town into a futuristic semiconductor hub.
Jagiroad, once known for the iconic Nagaon Paper Mill established in 1985 under Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL), had long been a symbol of industrial prosperity in Assam. The mill not only generated employment for thousands of locals but also significantly contributed to the regional economy and infrastructure growth.
However, years of financial losses led to its shutdown around 2015-16, followed by insolvency proceedings in 2019, leaving thousands jobless and the area economically stagnant.
Now, in a turnaround, the same 550-acre site is being redeveloped into a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor manufacturing facility by Tata Electronics. The project is expected to become operational in 2026, marking a new industrial era for the state.
According to the previous NDTV ground reports, Jagiroad is poised to emerge as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, contributing to India's ambitious chip production ecosystem. Approved semiconductor projects across the country are projected to produce over 24 billion chips annually, with facilities like Tata Electronics' wafer fabrication unit and multiple packaging plants driving production capacity to nearly 75-80 million chips per day.
The Assam government is also planning a large-scale industrial ecosystem around Jagiroad, including technology parks, industrial farms, and a modern satellite township, signaling a shift from a rural constituency to a high-tech urban cluster.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Jagiroad MLA and BJP candidate Piyush Hazarika said, "Jagiroad was once a flood-affected region, but now the situation is largely under control. Around 29,000 people will get employment through this project, and nearly Rs 30,000 crore investment is coming in. Additionally, Rs 6,000 crore will be invested in building a model township, which will also boost tourism."
Addressing concerns over recurring floods in some rural pockets, he added,
"We have managed to control nearly 90% of the flood problem. The remaining areas are challenging due to nearby wildlife sanctuaries, where water flow must be maintained to avoid ecological imbalance."
On the political front, Hazarika expressed confidence in BJP's electoral strength in the region, stating, "Out of 12 seats in this belt, BJP and its allies are likely to secure 8 to 9 seats due to strong grassroots support across constituencies from Dimoria to Kaliabor."
Taking a swipe at the opposition, he stated, "Those who truly love the country cannot stay long in Congress. A party that supports illegal encroachers cannot build a strong base."
With Jagiroad's transformation narrative gaining prominence, the semiconductor project is fast becoming a key election plank for the BJP, symbolising both economic revival and Assam's entry into the global technology map.
