Senior officials from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited met with Assam’s Chief Secretary Ravi Kota to finalize plans for a new ₹500 crore manufacturing plant in the state.
This investment marks a significant expansion of Sun Pharma’s footprint in Northeast India, transitioning from its existing sterile products facility at Palashbari (near Guwahati) to a large-scale integrated hub for drug formulations.
Project Blueprint and Phased Rollout
The project is designed to bolster the state’s industrial capacity while meeting the rising domestic demand for specialized medicines.
- Phased Implementation: The investment will be executed in two phases to ensure steady scaling and operational readiness.
- Core Focus: The facility will primarily house drug formulation manufacturing units (tablets, capsules, and liquids) tailored for the Indian market.
- Employment Impact: Once operational, the plant is expected to generate direct employment for more than 500 people in a phased manner.
- Infrastructure Needs: Discussions with the state government focused on securing a dedicated land parcel, reliable 24/7 power, high-volume water supply, and improved logistics connectivity to the rest of the country.
Sustainability & “Zero Discharge” Commitment
Building on its track record at the existing Guwahati site (which operates under “Zero Discharge” norms), Sun Pharma’s new facility will prioritize green manufacturing:
- Water Efficiency: Implementing advanced conservation and 100% recycling of treated effluent.
- Renewable Energy: A heavy shift toward solar and other renewable sources for plant operations.
- Responsible Waste Management: Adherence to the latest environmental and regulatory standards to minimize the industrial footprint in the region.
Strategic Context: The Pharma Gateway to the East
Assam is rapidly emerging as a pharmaceutical hub due to its strategic proximity to Southeast Asian markets and favorable state policies.
| Feature | Details |
| Parent Company | World’s 4th largest & India’s 1st largest pharma company. |
| Assam Legacy | Sun Pharma has already invested over ₹900 crore in its existing Palashbari facility since 2016. |
| Workforce | Historically, Sun Pharma has maintained a high local hiring rate (approx. 62% from the state). |
| Investment Goal | To serve the “under-penetrated” regions of the Northeast and improve access to affordable healthcare. |
“The proposal involves establishing drug formulation manufacturing units to cater to the Indian market… this investment reinforces our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and inclusive growth in the Northeast.” — Rahul Awasthi, Senior Vice President, Sun Pharma.