 MALIGAON, Mar 10: For decades, the railway story of Assam and the Northeast was marked by limited connectivity and slow progress. Difficult geographical conditions, limited investment, and incomplete projects remained major obstacles to the region's development. However, this situation is now changing rapidly. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam and the entire Northeast have emerged as a key focus of India's railway transformation, opening new avenues of modern connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities.
The most visible sign of this transformation can be seen in the railway budget allocation. During 2009-14, the average annual railway budget allocation for Assam and the Northeast was around Rs. 2,122 crore. This has increased to Rs.11,486 crore in 2026-27, nearly a fivefold increase. This growth reflects not only higher investment but also the Central Government's strong commitment towards the development of the region. This significant investment is accelerating large-scale railway transformation in Assam and the Northeast. Currently, railway projects worth over Rs.72,468 crore are progressing at various stages in the region. These include construction of new railway lines, station modernization, and several important safety-related initiatives.
To enhance passenger experience, 60 railway stations in Assam and the Northeast are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. With an estimated investment of about Rs.2,101 crore, these stations are being upgraded with modern passenger amenities, improved accessibility, contemporary design, and digital facilities. Among them, the redevelopment work of Haibargaon station has already been completed.
Railway network expansion has also gained remarkable momentum. Since 2014, nearly 1,900 kilometres of new railway lines have been constructed in Assam and the Northeast. This expansion is greater than the entire railway network of Sri Lanka. Railway electrification has also witnessed unprecedented progress. States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram have achieved 100 percent electrification, while Assam is also close to achieving full electrification.
To ensure safer and smoother travel, 502 rail flyovers and underpasses have been constructed, reducing issues related to level crossings and ensuring safer movement for passengers and vehicles. Significant progress has also been made in railway safety. India's indigenous 'Kavach' Automatic Train Protection System is being implemented in Assam and the Northeast. While approval has been granted for the same in 1,197 route kilometres, work and tendering processes are currently underway for 235 route kilometres.
Modern train services have also been expanded to improve connectivity. The region now operates advanced train services such as Vande Bharat Express, Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, and Amrit Bharat Express, providing faster, safer, and more comfortable rail connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
In continuation of these efforts, the Hon'ble Prime Minister will dedicate and launch several important railway projects and train services for Assam. These initiatives aim not only to make travel easier but also to accelerate the region's economy, trade, tourism, and social development. |
