Union Minister Announces Rs 10,440 Crore for Northeast Railway
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Synopsis
Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna announced a record allocation of Rs 10,440 crores for the northeastern railway sector in Budget 2025-26, highlighting significant infrastructure developments.
Key Takeaways
- Record allocation of Rs 10,440 crores for northeastern Railways.
- 100% railway electrification in Assam by the end of 2025.
- Accelerated progress in railway infrastructure and doubling works.
- New railway lines to enhance connectivity.
- Modernisation of railway stations under ABSS.
Guwahati, March 9 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, announced on Sunday that an unprecedented allocation of Rs 10,440 crores has been designated for Railways in the northeastern region as part of the Union Budget 2025–26.
During his visit to the Guwahati Railway Station, the Minister noted that prior to 2014, there was no railway electrification in Assam, but now the goal of achieving 100 percent railway electrification is set to be completed by the end of this year (2025).
He pointed out the considerable advancements in railway infrastructure, stating that doubling projects are progressing rapidly to improve capacity and efficiency.
Furthermore, new railway lines are being constructed to boost connectivity and meet the increasing transportation needs of the northeastern region, Somanna informed the press.
The Minister stressed the necessity of upgrading railway stations to improve passenger comfort and operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the government's dedication to enhancing railway infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in the northeastern states.
During his inspection of the Guwahati Railway Station, he reviewed the status of ongoing development projects at the station. He was joined by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR, along with senior railway officials from both the headquarters and division.
The Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, mentioned that the Guwahati Railway Station is undergoing redevelopment with modern facilities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at an estimated cost of Rs 181.09 crore.
The Minister conducted a thorough inspection of the station's infrastructure.
He also assessed essential amenities, including waiting areas, QR code ticketing counters, and security features. Somanna visited the Executive Lounge and applauded the railway staff for maintaining cleanliness at the station.
On March 8, the Minister inspected the Dibrugarh railway station to evaluate the progress of its redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
He also toured the Bogibeel Rail-cum-Road Bridge spanning the Brahmaputra River, which links the northern and southern banks, thereby enhancing connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
This visit underscored the government's commitment to delivering world-class railway services while fostering economic development and regional growth, as stated by the CPRO.
