More than 700 indigenous families in Azara Revenue Circle received government notices to acquire 424 bighas for Guwahati airport expansion and a proposed Aerotropolis (Aerocity) project. The notified parcels include 257 bighas and 9.5 lechas in Mirzapur, 83 bighas 4 kathas 15 lechas in Azara, and 70 bighas 16 lechas in Garal. Residents say about 380 bighas belong to indigenous communities and oppose the acquisition, despite Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s assurance that only vacant land would be acquired for public projects. Villagers say land has previously been taken for airport-related projects more than eight times. They fear the Aerotropolis could ultimately require 6,000 bighas. At a public meeting in Mirzapur, residents resolved not to hand over land to the government, Adani Group or any other entity.

Guwahati station handles more than 50,000 passengers daily. NFR is undertaking infrastructure and capacity upgrades in Guwahati and adjoining areas to meet rail demand, improve operations and strengthen Northeast connectivity.

The 7.20-km project includes a 1.3-km second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge with a double-line railway track and a three-lane road. It will increase rail and road capacity across the Brahmaputra, ease pressure on the existing bridge and improve connections between Guwahati, North Guwahati and other parts of the Northeast.

The Agthori–Kamakhya Double Line Project, together with the second bridge, was sanctioned at ₹1,474 crore. An elevated viaduct, including through Deepor Beel, is intended to allow safe, uninterrupted wildlife movement, including elephants. The remaining 13.25-km Azara–Kamakhya double-line stretch is targeted for completion by July 2028. NFR is also strengthening regional freight and logistics infrastructure through Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals.

The 14-km Garchuk-Azara-Rani Gate road, an alternative route to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Borjhar, has deteriorated, with deep water-filled potholes and no proper drainage. Minor accidents, particularly involving two- and three-wheelers, have become common, residents and commuters said.

The Western Guwahati Division of the PWD Roads Department reconstructed the road in 2022-23 at a cost of around Rs 10 crore, following an initiative by then local MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita. Residents attributed recurring waterlogging and road damage to the lack of drainage channels on both sides. Repairs ordered earlier by local MLA and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma have deteriorated again in some places after subsequent rainfall.

Opposition to the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority's (GMDA) proposed township project in the Azara and Palashbari revenue circles intensified on Saturday after two citizen groups jointly demanded its withdrawal, warning of displacement.

Two farmers' organisations—Sangrami Krishak Shramik Sangha and Anti-Eviction Land Rights Struggle Committee—demanded immediate withdrawal of proposed land acquisition in Azara and Palashbari revenue circles.

Near 2,662 bighas of agricultural and residential land identified for acquisition across villages including Pachim Garal, Matiya, Jabe, Jangalpara and Kamargaon.

Land proposed for Aerocity, satellite township, Guwahati Airport expansion and urban development under Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).

About 500 families already evicted without adequate compensation or rehabilitation; nearly 1.5 lakh families in wider region could be affected.

Farmers allege government stopped issuing treasury tax receipts and deprived people of land rights. Many long-settled residents denied land ownership despite Basundhara Scheme implementation.

Groups expressed concern over impact on protected tribal belt areas and ecologically sensitive wetlands. Submitted memorandums to Chief Minister, Governor, district administrations and local MLA but acquisition process continued.