Govt nods for 3 semiconductor plants in Gujarat, Assam; CM Himanta lauds as 'game-changer for North East'
In a significant move, the Modi government has granted approval for the establishment of three semiconductor units in Gujarat and Assam, signaling a transformative development for the semiconductor industry in India. The estimated investment for these semiconductor plants is a staggering Rs 1.26 lakh crore, underlining the government's commitment to fostering technological advancements and self-reliance in critical sectors.
The Union Telecom Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the government's decision after the proposals were given the green light by the Modi cabinet. Notably, the construction of all three semiconductor units is slated to kick off within the next 100 days, reflecting a sense of urgency and intent to expedite the process.
The first of these semiconductor plants will be established by Tata Electronics Private Limited in collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) from Taiwan. This high-tech facility, known as a semiconductor fab, will be situated in Dholera, Gujarat, and is expected to draw an investment of a whopping Rs 91,000 crore. The significance of this endeavor lies not only in its scale but also in the strategic partnership with an international player like PSMC, bringing global expertise and technological synergy to the Indian semiconductor landscape.
Further expanding the semiconductor footprint, Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd are set to construct a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam, with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore. This move is not only a boost to the semiconductor industry but also holds immense economic significance for Assam and the entire North East region. The investment represents the largest-ever private investment in Assam, and the semiconductor plant is being hailed as a potential game-changer for the local economy.
In another strategic collaboration, CG Power, in partnership with Renesas Electronics Corporation from Japan and Stars Microelectronics from Thailand, will establish a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat. This venture is anticipated to attract an investment of Rs 7,600 crore and adds a diverse dimension to the semiconductor landscape, bringing together technological expertise from multiple countries.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the monumental decision, emphasizing its transformative impact on the state's economy. He stated that the people of Assam would remain eternally grateful for the establishment of a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor plant, marking a historic milestone in private investment for the state.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the efforts of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting a year-long behind-the-scenes effort to secure the significant investment for Assam. He also expressed appreciation for Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and the entire team at the Ministry of Electronics & IT for navigating the complexities and ensuring the fruition of the project.
In conclusion, the government's approval for three semiconductor units marks a pivotal moment in India's journey towards technological self-reliance. The scale of investment, strategic partnerships with global players, and the geographical distribution of these semiconductor plants reflect a holistic approach to fostering innovation, economic growth, and regional development. As construction commences in the coming months, these semiconductor units are poised to become key contributors to India's technological prowess and economic resilience in the years to come.
