Guwahati, March 10 (NationPress) Under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam and the broader Northeastern region are becoming pivotal in India's railway overhaul, creating pathways for advanced connectivity, improved safety, and expanded economic prospects, according to railway officials on Tuesday.

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), pointed out that the railway history of Assam and the Northeast has long been characterized by limited connectivity and sluggish development. Challenges such as difficult geography, inadequate investment, and unfinished projects have significantly hindered progress.

He highlighted that the most evident indicator of this transformation is the significant increase in railway budget allocations. From 2009 to 2014, the average annual budget for Assam and the Northeast was approximately Rs 2,122 crore. This figure has surged to Rs 11,486 crore for 2026–27, marking an almost fivefold increase, which showcases the Central Government’s dedication to the region.

Presently, railway projects exceeding Rs 72,468 crore are in various stages of execution. These encompass the construction of new lines, station upgrades, and safety measures.

To elevate the passenger experience, 60 stations in Assam and the Northeast are undergoing redevelopment as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an estimated investment of Rs 2,101 crore. The redevelopment of Haibargaon station has already been finalized.

Since 2014, nearly 1,900 kilometers of new railway tracks have been established in Assam and the Northeast, surpassing the entire railway network of Sri Lanka. The process of railway electrification has also made rapid strides, with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram achieving 100% electrification, while Assam is nearing completion.

To promote safer travel, 502 railway flyovers and underpasses have been constructed, minimizing the number of level crossings. The country's indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection System is being deployed in the region, with approval for 1,197 route kilometers and ongoing work for 235 kilometers.

Modern train services like Vande Bharat Express, Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, and Amrit Bharat Express are now in operation, facilitating quicker and more comfortable travel between the Northeast and other parts of India.

On March 13–14, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and launch several railway projects and services for Assam. These include the foundation stone for the Furkating–Tinsukia Doubling Project (194 km), a POH Workshop at Bashbari, and electrification of the Rangiya–Murkongselek (558 km), Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh (571 km), and Badarpur–Silchar/Badarpur–Churaibari (315 km) lines.

Additionally, three new train services will be inaugurated: Kamakhya, Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati, New Jalpaiguri Express, and Narangi - Agartala Express, further enhancing connectivity and promoting trade, tourism, and social interactions.

Sharma remarked that Assam and the Northeast are experiencing a railway revolution that transcends mere tracks and trains, signifying economic prospects, regional advancement, and enhanced national cohesion.

“Under Prime Minister Modi, Indian Railways is forging a sturdy and modern transportation network that will be instrumental in realizing the vision of Viksit Northeast, Viksit Bharat,” he concluded.