Will Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's Vision for Railway Expansion Become a Reality?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to enhance Assam's railway network. This initiative aims to strengthen connectivity and open new avenues for economic growth and tourism. Discover how this could transform Assam's transport landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of railway network in Assam is a priority.
- Introduction of three new Amrit Bharat trains is proposed.
- New rail corridor from Umrangso to Lanka is on the agenda.
- Cross-border Kokrajhar-Gelephu line aims to enhance trade.
- Increased train stoppages will benefit smaller towns.
New Delhi, Nov 2 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened with the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday in New Delhi, where he advocated for a thorough expansion of the railway infrastructure in the northeastern state to bolster both regional and cross-border connectivity.
The meeting, which extended for nearly 25 minutes at the Railway Minister's official residence, saw Chief Minister Sarma propose several initiatives to enhance transportation links within Assam and with adjacent areas.
He requested the launch of three new Amrit Bharat trains serving the state, in addition to establishing a new rail corridor that would connect Umrangso in Dima Hasao district with Lanka in Hojai district.
The Chief Minister emphasized that this proposed connection would not only improve intra-state transportation but also create new prospects for tourism and economic development in Assam's hilly regions.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sarma urged the Railway Ministry to hasten the progress on the planned Kokrajhar-Gelephu Mindfulness City railway line, which aims to link Assam with Bhutan's forthcoming Mindfulness City in Gelephu.
This cross-border initiative, he noted, possesses significant potential for enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between both nations.
Additionally, Sarma called for increased stops for major long-distance trains traversing Assam, highlighting the necessity of better access for passengers from smaller towns and rural communities.
He stressed that these actions would render rail transport more inclusive and accessible for the state's populace.
An official statement revealed that Union Railway Minister Vaishnaw responded favorably to the Chief Minister's suggestions, ensuring that the Ministry would adopt the proposed measures within a stipulated timeframe.
Afterward, CM Sarma took to the social media platform X to characterize the meeting as "highly productive," sharing that the Railway Minister had "graciously accepted" all proposed action items.
"We deliberated on critical issues to extend the railway's reach in Assam, thereby improving overall connectivity for our citizens," he remarked, outlining four key proposals including new trains, new railway link initiatives, expedited ongoing projects, and additional train stops.
This meeting underscores the Assam government's persistent commitment to infrastructure development as part of its broader vision to connect every district in the state with modern transportation facilities.
Point of View
It is evident that the Assam government's proactive approach to railway expansion highlights its commitment to modernizing infrastructure. This initiative not only aims to enhance local connectivity but also fosters cross-border relations, particularly with Bhutan, showcasing the importance of railways in economic development.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key proposals made by CM Sarma?
CM Sarma proposed the introduction of new trains, the establishment of new railway corridors, expedited ongoing projects, and increased train stoppages for better access.
How will the proposed railway expansion benefit Assam?
The expansion aims to improve regional connectivity, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth in remote areas of the state.
What is the significance of the Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line?
This railway line is intended to link Assam with Bhutan's Mindfulness City, enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
How did the Union Railway Minister respond to CM Sarma's proposals?
Union Railway Minister Vaishnaw responded positively, assuring that the Ministry would implement the suggested measures in a timely manner.
What is the Assam government's long-term vision for transport?
The long-term vision focuses on connecting every district in Assam with modern transportation facilities, improving overall accessibility.
