Government Ups Investment in Northeast Railway Infrastructure by Five Times

The Indian government has allocated Rs 10,376 crore for railway infrastructure development in the Northeast for the current financial year. This marks a five-fold increase from the 2009-2014 period. The allocation is part of a broader Rs 74,972 crore investment for 18 ongoing projects, aimed at modernization and expansion.

The Indian government has significantly increased its investment in the Northeast's railway infrastructure, allocating Rs 10,376 crore for the current financial year, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, Vaishnaw revealed that this allocation is five times higher than the average annual budget outlay during 2009-2014. The government has already committed Rs 74,972 crore to 18 ongoing projects aimed at laying 1,368 km of new tracks in the region, aligning with its Act East Policy.

Vaishnaw emphasized the government's goal of modernizing the rail network and contributing to economic growth and job creation. Northeast Frontier Railway's General Manager, Chetan Shrivastava, confirmed that adequate funds for infrastructure and safety have been allocated in this Union Budget.

Additionally, electrification of 921 route kilometers has been completed in the 2023-24 period, with a target of 1,573 route kilometers for 2024-25. A total of Rs 8,378.53 crore has been set aside for new lines and line-doubling projects, Rs 1,305.07 crore for track and bridge renewal, Rs 170 crore for signaling and telecom works, and Rs 537 crore for improving passenger amenities.