The century-old Jorhat Central Jail, a significant landmark in India’s freedom struggle, is poised for a transformative redevelopment into a Rs 180-crore Freedom Struggle Memorial Museum & Park. Announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this ambitious project aims to preserve the jail’s historic legacy and honor the sacrifices of Assam’s freedom fighters, including luminaries like Gopinath Bordoloi, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and martyr Kushal Konwar.
Jorhat Central Jail: A Historic Site of Patriotism
Constructed in 1909 and opened in 1911 during British colonial rule, Jorhat Central Jail served as a key detention center for freedom fighters who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement. The jail housed prominent figures such as Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a Bharat Ratna recipient; Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who later became India’s fifth President; and martyr Kushal Konwar, who was hanged within the jail premises on June 15, 1943, for his role in the Quit India Movement. Other notable freedom fighters imprisoned here include Bimala Prasad Chaliha, Amiyo Kumar Das, Bijoy Bhagawati, Kamakhya Tripathi, Beja Bauri, Kamala Miri, and Pitambar Dev Goswami. Maniram Dewan, a pioneer in Assam’s tea industry, was also executed here in 1858 for conspiring against the British.
Chief Minister Sarma has likened the historical significance of Jorhat Central Jail to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, describing it as a “symbol of unwavering patriotism” and a “living monument” to the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters. The redevelopment project is part of the state’s broader vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage), ensuring that the stories of these brave hearts are preserved for future generations.
Project Details and Scope
The Rs 180-crore project, sanctioned by the Assam government, will transform the 66-acre jail campus into a comprehensive Freedom Struggle Memorial Museum & Park. The initiative includes a museum showcasing historical artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to Assam’s contributions to India’s independence movement from 1857 onwards. A memorial garden and a Freedom Fighter Park will also be developed to highlight the North East’s role in the freedom struggle, paying tribute to the region’s unsung heroes. Additionally, the project will feature a convention center and upgraded infrastructure to support tourism and educational activities.
The museum, modeled on the Cellular Jail museum in Port Blair, is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility that narrates the struggles and sacrifices of Assam’s freedom fighters. The project, initially allocated Rs 134.91 crore in June 2022, has seen an increased budget to accommodate its expanded scope. It is slated for completion by January 2026, with Chief Minister Sarma indicating that the museum may open to the public as early as February 2026.
Chief Minister’s Vision and Recent Developments
Chief Minister Sarma has been closely involved in the project, personally inspecting the jail premises on multiple occasions, including a visit on May 21, 2025, to review progress. During his visits, he has paid tributes to freedom fighters like Kushal Konwar and Pitambar Dev Goswami, emphasizing the jail’s role as a heritage site. In August 2021, Sarma announced plans to preserve the jail as a tribute to India’s 75th year of Independence, with the current prison operations to be relocated to another site in Jorhat district to facilitate the redevelopment.
On April 2, 2025, during a one-day visit to Jorhat, Sarma inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,300 crore, including the Freedom Struggle Memorial Museum. He highlighted the project’s role in enhancing Jorhat’s cultural and historical significance while boosting tourism. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a Rs 78.27-crore railway flyover at Kamarbandha Road, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve access to the upcoming Freedom Movement Park.
A Tribute to Assam’s Legacy
The transformation of Jorhat Central Jail into a Freedom Struggle Memorial Museum & Park is a testament to Assam’s commitment to preserving its rich historical legacy while fostering development. By honoring the sacrifices of freedom fighters and showcasing the North East’s contributions to India’s independence, the project aims to inspire future generations and position Jorhat as a key destination for historical tourism.
“This Rs 180-crore museum will ensure that the stories of our brave hearts are preserved for future generations,” Sarma said, underscoring the project’s significance. As the redevelopment progresses, Jorhat Central Jail is set to transition from a place of incarceration to a beacon of patriotism, celebrating Assam’s indelible mark on India’s freedom struggle.
क्या आप जानते हैं? असम के जोरहाट में स्थित एक ऐतिहासिक कारागार, जहाँ कभी हज़ारों स्वतंत्रता सेनानी कैद रहे, ने आज़ादी की लड़ाई में अंडमान की सेल्युलर जेल की तरह ही महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई थी। अब इस धरोहर को संवारने के लिए सरकार ₹180 करोड़ की पुनर्विकास परियोजना शुरू कर रही है!… pic.twitter.com/SvzGGR8iEt
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 15, 2025