Guwahati: The Indian Railways’ budget allocation for 2026–27 has marked a historic milestone for Assam and the North Eastern states under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), with the Government of India earmarking a record ₹11,486 crore for the region. This represents nearly a fivefold increase compared to 2014, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to faster, safer and future-ready rail connectivity in the Northeast.
A massive infrastructure push is currently underway, with ₹72,468 crore worth of railway projects in various stages of execution across Assam and the Northeast. Surveys for new railway lines are in progress to further expand the network, while a 69-km rail link from Kokrajhar to Gelephu in Bhutan is being planned to enhance international connectivity. Railway projects in Manipur have resumed, and works in Sikkim and Nagaland are progressing at a rapid pace.
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Among the major highlights is the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Kamakhya–Howrah route on January 17, significantly improving connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. This was followed by the introduction of Assam’s first Amrit Bharat Express services—Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar)—inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Proposals are also underway for the Varanasi–Siliguri bullet train corridor, with future plans to extend it up to Guwahati.
Since 2014, around 1,900 km of new tracks have been laid, five Northeastern states are fully electrified, and Assam has achieved 98 per cent electrification. Safety and technology initiatives, including the Kavach system, AI-based elephant intrusion prevention, and advanced monitoring systems, are also being strengthened.
With investments now at record levels, Indian Railways is set to drive inclusive growth, boost trade and tourism, and strengthen the Northeast’s role in the Government of India’s Act East Policy.
