Tata's Semiconductor plant in Assam to become operational by 2025: Major boost for employment

Tata Group is set to revolutionize India’s semiconductor industry with the establishment of a new plant in Morigaon, Assam. Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced on Saturday that the plant, with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore, will be operational by 2025. This facility is projected to create 27,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct and 12,000 indirect positions.

Significance of the semiconductor industry

During the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Chandrasekaran highlighted the critical role of semiconductors in modern technology. "The semiconductor industry is foundational for the future. Chips will be integral to every aspect of daily, industrial, and consumer life," said Chandrasekaran. He emphasized that semiconductors are crucial for electronics, automobiles, mobile technology, defense, healthcare, and other consumer products, with rapid advancements driven by artificial intelligence.

India’s strategic move into semiconductors

Chandrasekaran praised India's bold step under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership to enter the semiconductor space. "Few countries have this capability globally. India’s initiative is a significant move, and the Tata Group is proud to be part of it," he stated. The group is building a comprehensive electronics value chain, including facilities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and now Assam.

The new facility in Assam aims to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem. "At full capacity, it will employ 27,000 people and attract semiconductor ecosystem companies," Chandrasekaran noted. This will foster a thriving electronics hub, driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

A private-public collaboration

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that the facility would be completed within 18 months, marking a significant milestone for the state. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added that the plant would manufacture approximately 4.83 crore chips daily, utilizing advanced technologies developed in India. These chips will be essential for electric vehicles, communication, and network infrastructure.

The Program for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystems in India, launched in December 2021 with a total outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, underscores the government’s commitment to this sector. The Union Cabinet approved Tata's semiconductor unit in Assam and two other units on February 29 this year. The Assam facility will focus on developing indigenous advanced semiconductor packaging technologies, crucial for applications in automotive, communications, and network infrastructure.

Educational initiatives

To support this growing industry, nearly 85,000 industry-ready professionals at BTech, MTech, and PhD levels are being trained in semiconductor chip design across 113 academic institutions, including nine in the northeast region.

Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, will spearhead the construction of this state-of-the-art facility in Assam, marking a significant leap forward in India’s technological capabilities and economic development.