Delhi, March 12: Indian Railways is set to take several major steps toward strengthening connectivity, efficiency and economic growth in Assam and the broader Northeast region, as multiple railway projects are inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and launched during the Prime Minister’s visit to the state on 13–14 March.
These initiatives form part of a larger push to modernise railway infrastructure in the region, improve passenger mobility, support trade and ensure that the Northeast is more seamlessly integrated with the national railway network.
A key development is the foundation stone laying for the Furkating–Tinsukia rail line doubling project, spanning 194 kilometres. This corridor is a crucial rail artery in upper Assam and currently operates as a single line, limiting train movement and often causing congestion. Doubling the line will significantly increase capacity, allowing more passenger and freight trains to operate simultaneously. The upgrade is expected to streamline the transport of commodities such as tea, timber, petroleum products and agricultural goods, while also improving travel reliability for commuters.
In Kokrajhar district, the foundation stone will also be laid for a Periodic Overhauling (POH) Workshop at Bashbari. The facility will enhance the railway maintenance ecosystem in the Northeast by enabling repair and servicing of coaches and wagons within the region itself. At present, much of this work requires trains to be sent to distant workshops, which increases downtime. The new workshop will reduce turnaround time for rolling stock, improve operational efficiency and generate local employment opportunities.
Strengthening sustainable railway operations in the region, the Prime Minister will dedicate several major rail electrification projects to the nation. These include electrification of the Rangiya–Murkongselek line (558 km), the Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh line (571 km) and the Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari lines (315 km). Together, these projects represent more than 1,400 kilometres of newly electrified railway track.
Electrification will enable the operation of faster and more energy-efficient trains while reducing dependence on diesel traction. It will also support environmentally sustainable railway operations and bring the rail network of the Northeast closer to full integration with India’s electrified rail system.
Further enhancing connectivity, three new train services will be flagged off to improve travel options within the Northeast and between the region and other parts of the country.
The Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express will establish a direct rail link between the Northeast and southern India, facilitating travel for business, tourism and pilgrimage. The Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express will strengthen one of the busiest intercity routes in eastern India, benefiting students, professionals and families travelling between Assam and West Bengal. The Narangi–Agartala Express will improve rail connectivity between Assam and Tripura, reinforcing the transport backbone of the Northeast and encouraging greater regional economic integration.
These new initiatives build on the substantial progress made in railway development across Assam and the Northeast over the past decade. Since 2014, approximately 1,900 kilometres of new railway lines have been constructed in the region. The annual railway budget allocation has increased significantly, rising from ₹2,122 crore during 2009–14 to ₹11,486 crore in 2026–27, reflecting the Government’s continued focus on expanding and modernising rail infrastructure in the Northeast.
Currently, railway projects worth more than ₹72,000 crore are under implementation across different stages in the region including the construction of new railway lines, station modernisation, and key safety-related works.
Significant strides have also been made in railway electrification, with states including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram already achieving 100 percent electrification. Assam is also nearing completion of this milestone.
To enhance safety, more than 500 rail flyovers and underpasses have been constructed across the region to eliminate level crossings and reduce accident risks. In addition, the Kavach automatic train protection system is being introduced across key routes, with work and tendering underway for 235 route kilometres and approvals granted for 1,197 route kilometres.
Passenger facilities are also being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which 60 railway stations across Assam and the Northeast are being redeveloped at an estimated cost of around ₹2,101 crore. Among them, Haibargaon station has already been completed, offering modern amenities and improved infrastructure for travellers.
Together, these projects reflect the Indian Railways’ commitment to transforming rail connectivity in the Northeast. By expanding capacity, modernising infrastructure and introducing cleaner technologies, Indian Railways continues to play a vital role in enabling economic growth, improving mobility and bringing the Northeast closer to the rest of the country.
