On Tuesday, while addressing Advantage Assam 2.0 Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that electrification of railways in the Northeast will be completed by March 2026. He also announced six new Gatishakti cargo terminals in Assam, two new Amrit Bharat trains, and new intercity trains between Silchar-Guwahati and Guwahati-Agartala.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a plan to transform Guwahati Railway Station to IT Hub.
“We are doing this in Bhubaneswar. If local laws permit, we plan to build a 12-storey building. The lower two floors can be used by the Railways, while the rest will be for IT firms. I request the IT industry to prepare for this,” Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while adreesing Advantage Assam 2.0.
Two new Amrit Bharat trains have launched, connecting Dibrugarh, Silchar, and New Delhi. These trains will provide faster and more efficient transportation, making travel smoother and boosting trade.
PIB reported, “The Minister underscored the government’s success in constructing 1,824 km of new railway tracks in Assam and the North East since 2014. He also noted the commissioning of two Gati Shakti cargo terminals in Assam at Moinarband and Cinnamara and announced development of 06 additional Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals at Chaygaon, New Bongaigaon, Bihara, Hilara, Baihata and Rangjuli which will significantly enhance the region’s railway network.
Further bolstering connectivity, he confirmed that one Vande Bharat Express is already operational in the Northeast, with another soon to connect Guwahati and Agartala. He also announced the sanctioning of two Amrit Bharat trains (between Guwahati-Delhi and Guwahati-Chennai), which will become operational this year, and the establishment of a railway engine midlife remanufacturing facility in Lumding. The Minister also accounced the plan to set up a Wagon Workshop at Bashbari in Bodoland area at a cost of Rs 300 cr.”
New Railway Tracks to Boost Regional Links
To further improve rail transport, four new railway tracks will laid at the Chicken’s Neck corridor, a crucial route linking Northeast India with the rest of the country. Additionally, a new railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan will promote cross-border trade and strengthen India-Bhutan relations.
Enhancing Railway Operations with a New Repair Center
A locomotive engine repair center will establish in Lumding, significantly improving railway maintenance and operational efficiency. This facility will ensure better upkeep of engines, reducing downtime and enhancing overall rail performance.
Safety Upgrades by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is making continuous efforts to enhance safety and efficiency through advanced technology. The railway has upgraded its signaling systems and replaced outdated safety equipment across different divisions.
