Indian Railways is undertaking significant initiatives to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and economic development in Assam and the wider Northeast region, coinciding with the Prime Minister’s visit on March 13–14. These efforts are part of a comprehensive modernization plan aimed at upgrading railway infrastructure, increasing passenger movement, supporting trade, and ensuring better integration of the Northeast with the national railway network.
A major project is the laying of the foundation stone for the Furkating–Tinsukia rail line doubling project, which extends 194 kilometers. This critical corridor currently operates as a single line, restricting train movement and leading to congestion. Doubling the line will greatly boost capacity, allowing an increased number of passenger and freight trains to operate concurrently. The upgrade will facilitate the efficient transport of commodities, including tea, timber, petroleum products, and agricultural produce, enhancing travel reliability for commuters.
Additionally, a new Periodic Overhauling (POH) Workshop is set to be established in Kokrajhar district at Bashbari. This facility will bolster the railway maintenance system in the Northeast by providing local repair and servicing of coaches and wagons, which presently often necessitates sending trains to distant locations, thus increasing downtime. With the new workshop, the turnaround time for rolling stock will be reduced, operational efficiency improved, and local employment opportunities generated.
To promote sustainable railway operations, the Prime Minister will also dedicate several significant rail electrification projects, covering over 1,400 kilometers of track, including the electrification of the Rangiya–Murkongselek line (558 km), the Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh line (571 km), and the Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari lines (315 km).
Furthermore, to enhance connectivity, three new train services will be inaugurated, improving travel options both within the Northeast and between the region and other parts of India.
