Guwahati, Sept 26:  A newly-constructed Assam Bhawan in Vellore became fully functional on Tuesday to provide affordable accommodation, primarily for patients and students from Assam visiting the Tamil Nadu city, which is renowned for advanced healthcare facilities and higher education institutes.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Assam Bhawan located in Phase II, Sathuvachari area, which is also the Zone-II headquarters of Vellore Municipal Corporation.

As it is, the primary goal behind the construction of the Assam Bhawan is to cater to the accommodation needs of Assam residents seeking medical treatment at Christian Medical College, Vellore.

Besides, the project aims to provide a supportive environment for medical students who travel to the south Indian city to study at the Vellore Institute of Technology.

It may be recalled that the Assam government had, in the year 2011, acquired a 1755.20 square metre plot of land from the Tamil Nadu government and strategically chosen the prime location, owing to its proximity to higher education and advanced healthcare facilities.

Notably, the Assam Bhawan project was executed in four phases with a sanctioned budget of Rs 22.83 crore. The building now stands as a “G+service+6” storied structure with a total construction area of 4340 square metres.

The facility offers a variety of accommodation options, including VVIP and VIP suites, 40 double-bed rooms and separate dormitories for both men and women.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, chief minister Sarma reiterated the Assam government’s commitment to further extend its reach across the country, informing that plans were underway to construct Assam Bhawans in key cities across the country, with Pune and Ahmedabad being immediate priorities.

“This initiative aims to provide the same homely and affordable stay experience for students, guardians and patients from Assam,” the chief minister said.

Sarma further informed that discussions were underway with the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi for acquiring another plot to construct an integrated project, possibly including a naamghar and essential facilities.