Indian Railways Accelerates Growth in the Northeast: Major Investments and New Projects Unveiled

Indian Railways has significantly increased investment for Assam and the North Eastern states, with projects worth Rs 72,468 crore underway. New train services and infrastructure initiatives like the Vande Bharat Sleeper train highlight efforts to enhance connectivity and bring the region into India's high-speed rail network.

Indian Railways has announced a significant allocation of Rs 11,486 crore for Assam and the North Eastern states, marking a fivefold increase since 2014 and underscoring its commitment to enhancing the region's rail connectivity, according to an official report on Monday.

Currently, the railways is overseeing projects valued at Rs 72,468 crore in Assam and the Northeast. Surveys for new railway lines are being conducted, as plans are underway for establishing rail connectivity to Bhutan, stretching from Kokrajhar to Gelephu, spanning 69 kilometers.

Progress is also being made in Sikkim and Nagaland, with the launch of the nation's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train services on the Kamakhya-Howrah route set for January 17, 2026. The introduction of new Amrit Bharat Express services from Guwahati to Rohtak and Dibrugarh to Lucknow symbolizes the regional development momentum. Proposed additions to the railway network include extending the Varanasi-Siliguri via Patna bullet train corridor to Guwahati, further enhancing the region's connectivity with India's high-speed rail network.

The report highlights significant advancements in network expansion and electrification in Assam and the North East under NFR since 2014, with 1900 km of new tracks and near-complete electrification in Assam. Additionally, infrastructure improvements have included the construction of 502 flyovers and underpasses, along with plans for the Kavach safety system covering 1197 km.