Assam Opens First Science City With Interactive Galleries And Digital Planetarium

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Assam's first Science City at Tepesia in Sonapur in Guwahati on Tuesday, describing the project as a major step toward encouraging scientific thinking among young people.Spread across around 82 acres and built at a cost of INR 300 crore, the Guwahati Science City has been developed as a large science and learning complex, designed to inspire curiosity and interest in science among students and visitors.In a post on X, Sarma said the state government was building infrastructure that matches the best in the country.“Assam gets its own Science City and it will be one of the best in the country. Built on the outskirts of Guwahati, this project, spread over 82 acres has been built at Rs 300 cr and has features like Eureka and Space Odyssey, etc, and is bigger than Kolkata's Science City,” he said.Joint Initiative With National Council Of Science MuseumsThe project has been developed through a joint initiative of the Assam government and the National Council of Science Museums under the Government of India.Located in Kamrup Metropolitan district, the facility has been constructed on approximately 250 bighas of land and, according to officials, is larger in area than the well-known Science City in Kolkata.The complex has been designed as a modern science education hub featuring interactive exhibits, immersive learning environments and large-scale galleries aimed at engaging visitors of all ages.Interactive Galleries Open To VisitorsTwo major galleries, Eureka and Space Odyssey, have already been completed and are now open to visitors.These galleries focus on interactive scientific concepts and space exploration themes, allowing visitors to experience demonstrations and learning activities designed to make science accessible and engaging.Future expansions are expected to include additional sections such as Science Discovery and Science Park, which are expected to further strengthen the educational components of the complex.Digital Planetarium And Space SimulationsThe science city will also feature advanced attractions, including a digital planetarium that allows visitors to experience simulations related to space travel, moon missions and journeys to Mars.Speaking at the inauguration, Sarma said interactive science centres play an important role in nurturing curiosity among young minds and encouraging them to pursue careers in science and technology.He also recalled visiting the Kolkata Science Museum during his childhood.District Science Centres Launched Across AssamAlongside the inauguration of the Guwahati Science City, the Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated five district science centres in Amingaon, Majuli, Silchar, Kaliabor and Bongaigaon.These centres have been built at a combined cost of about INR 178 crore and are equipped with science galleries, 64-seat digital planetariums and auditoriums designed to support educational programmes and public engagement.Officials said the network of science centres is expected to make scientific learning more accessible to students in both urban and rural areas.Push For Stronger Science EducationThe Assam government is planning to strengthen science education through the development of the new science city and district science centres across the state.Authorities believe these facilities will help children engage with scientific ideas through interactive learning methods.Once future sections such as Science Discovery and Science Park are completed, the Guwahati Science City is expected to emerge as one of the leading science education centres in northeastern India.(With inputs from various sources)FAQs1. Where is Assam’s first Science City located?Assam’s first Science City is located in Tepesia, Sonapur near Guwahati in Kamrup Metropolitan district.2. How large is the Guwahati Science City?The science city is spread across about 82 acres and built at a cost of INR 300 crore.3. What attractions are available at the Guwahati Science City?Visitors can explore interactive galleries such as Eureka and Space Odyssey, along with a digital planetarium and science exhibitions.4. Who developed the Assam Science City project?The project was developed jointly by the Assam government and the National Council of Science Museums under the Government of India.5. What is the purpose of Guwahati Science City?The facility aims to promote scientific curiosity, innovation and science education among students and visitors in northeastern India.A Traveller’s Guide To Guwahati’s New Eco-Friendly Terminal