Assam Eyes Global Spotlight as Shakira Concert Planned in Dibrugarh

Assam is set to make a major push in concert tourism, with plans underway to invite international pop icon Shakira to perform in Dibrugarh, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Chairman and former Lahowal MLA Rituparna Barua said on the occasion of Me-Dam-Me-Phi.

Talking to the media, Barua said the state government is focusing strongly on concert tourism, drawing inspiration from neighbouring Meghalaya, which has successfully attracted tourists from across the world through large-scale music events. “We have already started concert tourism in Assam. Last year, we hosted international rapper Post Malone in Guwahati, and this year our focus will be on Dibrugarh, the second capital of Assam,” he said.

Barua revealed that efforts are being made to bring Shakira to Dibrugarh, with the newly developed Khanikar Stadium expected to serve as the venue. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of around 35,000, is being developed as a world-class facility capable of hosting major international events.

The first phase of the Khanikar Stadium project was recently inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a cost of ₹238 crore. It includes a multi-disciplinary sports complex with state-of-the-art facilities such as an indoor stadium, swimming pool, football and tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, along with hostels for players. The foundation stone for the second phase of the project, estimated at ₹209 crore, was also laid during the visit.

Barua expressed confidence that hosting international artistes like Shakira in Dibrugarh would significantly boost tourism, place Upper Assam on the global entertainment map, and generate economic opportunities for the region.

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