Indian Railways has made a major commitment to Assam and the northeastern states, announcing an investment of ₹11,486 crore. This is a huge leap—five times more than the budget in 2014. It shows a strong dedication to improving rail connectivity in the region.
Right now, projects worth ₹72,468 crore are in progress in Assam and the Northeast. Surveys for new railway lines are also taking place, including a plan to link Kokrajhar to Gelephu in Bhutan, which is a distance of 69 kilometers.
Exciting developments are underway in Sikkim and Nagaland too. The country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service is set to roll out on the Kamakhya-Howrah route by January 17, 2026. New services, like the Amrit Bharat Express from Guwahati to Rohtak and Dibrugarh to Lucknow, are also on the horizon, signaling positive growth for the region.
The expansion doesn’t stop there. There’s a proposal to extend the Varanasi-Siliguri bullet train corridor to Guwahati, which would link the region to India’s high-speed rail network. This is a big step towards improved accessibility and can significantly boost local economies.
Since 2014, the North Frontier Railway (NFR) has worked hard to expand and electrify the network in Assam and the Northeast, adding 1,900 kilometers of new tracks. Most of Assam is nearly fully electrified, which is both a technological leap and a move towards cleaner energy. There are also plans to introduce the Kavach safety system over 1,197 kilometers, aimed at increasing train safety.
These advancements not only enhance travel but also contribute to the overall development of the region, making it more integrated with the rest of India. With increased rail connectivity, businesses can thrive, and residents will have better access to jobs and services.
As rail projects develop, local communities are expressing optimism. Many social media users and regional leaders celebrate these improvements, saying they believe it will lead to greater opportunities and foster a sense of unity in the region.
For more detailed information, you can check the official reports from Indian Railways here.
Source link
Indian Railways, Assam, Northeast, rail projects, Vande Bharat, Sleeper train, Amrit Bharat Express, electrification, connectivity, infrastructure
