Assam receiving new Railway strength under leadership of Prime Minister Modi

Guwahati: 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.

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Furkating–Tinsukia Doubling Project (194 km), which is considered highly important for Upper Assam. After completion, the doubling of this line will increase train capacity on the route and ensure smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

The foundation stone will also be laid for a POH Workshop at Bashbari, which will be used for the maintenance and repair of railway coaches and wagons. Development of such modern maintenance facilities in the Northeast will significantly improve railway operational efficiency.

In addition, the electrification of the 558 km Rangiya–Murkongselek railway line, the 571 km Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh railway line, and the 315 km Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari railway lines will be dedicated to the nation.

Furthermore, three new train services will also be flagged off: Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express, and Narangi–Agartala Express. These services will further strengthen connectivity between Assam and other parts of the country, boosting trade, tourism, and social interaction.

Today, Assam and the entire Northeast are witnessing a new railway revolution. This transformation goes beyond the expansion of tracks and trains; it represents new economic opportunities, regional development, and stronger national integration. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways is building a robust and modern transport network that will play a crucial role in realizing the vision of “Viksit Northeast – Viksit Bharat.”