Rs 11,486 Crore Allocated for 2026–27
Indian Railways has allocated ₹11,486 crore for Assam and other Northeastern states in the 2026–27 Union Budget. The allocation marks a nearly fivefold increase compared to 2014 and reflects the Centre’s focus on improving rail connectivity, safety, and infrastructure in the region.
Officials said the higher budget will accelerate ongoing projects and support new initiatives aimed at integrating the Northeast more closely with the rest of the country.
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Major Projects Underway Across the Region
According to official data, railway projects worth ₹72,468 crore are currently under implementation across the Northeast. These include surveys for new railway lines and capacity expansion works in multiple states.
One of the key proposals is a 69-kilometre rail link between Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan. The project aims to strengthen cross-border connectivity and trade. Construction activity has also resumed in several strategic locations, with steady progress reported in Sikkim and Nagaland.
Railway officials said these projects will improve passenger movement, boost freight transport, and support regional economic growth.
New Trains Launched in January 2026
Indian Railways achieved several milestones in January 2026. On January 17, it launched the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Kamakhya–Howrah route. The service connects Assam with West Bengal and offers faster overnight travel with modern amenities.
A day later, on January 18, Assam received its first Amrit Bharat Express services. The trains began operations on the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) routes. Officials said these services will improve long-distance connectivity for passengers from Upper and Lower Assam.
High-Speed Rail Plans for the Northeast
During the launch events, officials proposed a Varanasi–Siliguri bullet train corridor via Patna. The plan includes a future extension to Guwahati, which would bring the Northeast into India’s high-speed rail network.
Railway authorities said the proposal remains at a preliminary stage. However, it signals long-term planning to connect the region with major economic and cultural hubs through high-speed rail.
Track Expansion and Electrification Gains
Since 2014, the Northeast Frontier Railway has laid around 1,900 kilometres of new railway tracks across the region. Five Northeastern states have achieved full electrification of their rail networks.
Assam has recorded 98 per cent electrification across 2,839 kilometres of railway lines. Officials said near-total electrification will reduce operating costs and improve train efficiency.
The region has also seen the construction of 502 flyovers and underpasses. These structures have helped eliminate level crossings and improve road and rail safety.
Focus on Safety Through Kavach System
Indian Railways has approved the Kavach train collision avoidance system for 1,197 kilometres in the Northeast. Authorities have already implemented the system on 235 kilometres of track.
Officials said Kavach will play a critical role in enhancing passenger safety by preventing signal-passing-at-danger incidents and reducing the risk of collisions.
With record investments and faster execution of projects, Indian Railways aims to transform Assam and the Northeast into a well-connected and safer rail corridor in the coming years.
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