HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 10: Assam and the Northeast are witnessing a major transformation in railway connectivity with increased investments and infrastructure development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.
According to official information, the average annual railway budget allocation for Assam and the Northeast has increased significantly in recent years.
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During 2009–14, the region received an average annual allocation of about ₹2,122 crore, which has now risen to around ₹11,486 crore for 2026–27.
The increased investment has accelerated several major projects across the region.
Currently, railway projects worth more than ₹72,468 crore are underway in Assam and other northeastern states, including construction of new railway lines, station modernisation and safety-related initiatives.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 60 railway stations in Assam and the Northeast are being redeveloped with an investment of approximately ₹2,101 crore to provide modern passenger amenities, improved accessibility and upgraded infrastructure.
Officials said the redevelopment of Haibargaon station has already been completed.
Railway network expansion has also gained momentum. Since 2014, nearly 1,900 kilometres of new railway lines have been constructed in the region.
Electrification work has progressed rapidly, with states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram achieving full electrification, while Assam is nearing the same milestone.
To improve safety and ease of movement, 502 rail flyovers and underpasses have been constructed in the region to reduce level crossings.
Additionally, the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection System is being introduced across the Northeast.
Approval has been granted for implementation across 1,197 route kilometres, with work currently underway for 235 route kilometres.
Modern train services such as Vande Bharat Express, Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and Amrit Bharat Express have also been introduced to improve connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
As part of ongoing expansion efforts, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the 194-km Furkating–Tinsukia doubling project in Upper Assam, which is expected to increase train capacity and facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight trains.
The foundation stone will also be laid for a Periodical Overhaul (POH) workshop at Bashbari to support maintenance and repair of railway coaches and wagons.
In addition, electrification of the Rangiya–Murkongselek (558 km), Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh (571 km) and Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari (315 km) railway sections will be dedicated to the nation.
Three new train services are also set to be flagged off: the Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, the Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express and the Narangi–Agartala Express.
Officials said these services will further strengthen connectivity between Assam and other parts of the country while boosting trade, tourism and economic development.
Authorities said the rapid railway expansion in Assam and the Northeast reflects a broader effort to improve connectivity, strengthen regional development and enhance integration with the national transport network.
