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Northeast India Gets Rs 11,486 Crore Rail Boost in Viksit Bharat Budget

The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs 11,486 crore for railway projects in the Northeastern region, a significant increase from the previous year. Key initiatives include planning strategic rail links to Bhutan and a high-speed rail corridor up to Guwahati. The region has achieved 96% railway electrification and is redeveloping 60 stations under a modernization scheme. The expansion also incorporates AI-based systems to protect wildlife corridors, balancing infrastructure growth with environmental conservation.

Key Points: Rs 11,486 Crore Rail Push for Northeast in Union Budget

  • Rs 11,486 crore rail allocation
  • Strategic links to Bhutan planned
  • 96% railway electrification achieved
  • 60 stations being redeveloped
  • AI systems to protect elephant corridors
2 min read

NE gets Rs 11,486 crore rail infra push in Viksit Bharat Budget: Assam CM​

Assam CM announces major rail infra boost for NE, including new corridors, station upgrades, and wildlife protection measures in the Union Budget.

"Assam is firmly on the growth track - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Feb 3

The Northeastern region have received a significant boost to rail connectivity and infrastructure development in the Union Budget 2026-27 under the Viksit Bharat vision, with an allocation of Rs 11,486 crore for railway projects, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday. ​

In a post on X, Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sustained support to railway expansion in the region, stating that the enhanced allocation would accelerate connectivity, economic growth, and strategic infrastructure development across the Northeast. ​

According to the Chief Minister, the current budget allocation marks a sharp rise from Rs 10,440 crore provided in 2025-26. He said railway projects worth Rs 72,468 crore are currently underway in Assam and other Northeastern states, reflecting the Centre's long-term commitment to transforming the region's transport landscape. ​

Highlighting key initiatives, Sarma said upcoming strategic rail links to Bhutan are planned via the Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse routes, which will strengthen cross-border connectivity and trade. ​

He also noted that a high-speed rail corridor has been planned up to Guwahati, positioning the city as a major rail hub in eastern India. The Chief Minister said that 96 per cent of railway electrification has already been achieved across the region, significantly improving efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. ​

As part of station modernisation, 60 stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger amenities and infrastructure. ​

Sarma further said that advanced AI-based thermal cameras and detection systems are being deployed to protect elephant corridors, ensuring railway expansion remains sensitive to wildlife conservation. ​

He described this as a crucial step in balancing infrastructure growth with environmental protection. He also highlighted that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Guwahati-Kolkata route has become operational, improving long-distance travel comfort and reducing travel time between Assam and eastern India. ​

Stating that Assam is firmly on the growth track, Sarma said the increased budgetary support for railways will play a vital role in boosting mobility, trade, tourism, and overall economic development across the Northeast under the Viksit Bharat roadmap. ​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the allocation increase is good, I hope the funds are utilized efficiently and projects are completed on time. Past railway projects in Assam have seen delays. The focus on elephant corridors with AI is a very thoughtful and necessary step, though.
R
Rohit P
Rail links to Bhutan via Kokrajhar and Banarhat? That's strategic thinking! This will boost trade and people-to-people connections. The Northeast can become a gateway to Southeast Asia. Hope the station redevelopment under Amrit Bharat Scheme also brings modern facilities.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to Guwahati often for work, the promise of a high-speed rail link and better stations is very welcome. The current travel time is a hurdle. 96% electrification is also a great achievement for sustainability.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but development should be holistic. Along with railways, we need equal focus on national highways, air connectivity, and digital infrastructure in remote areas of the NE. Let's hope this is part of a larger integrated plan.
K
Kavya N
My family is from Silchar. Better rail connectivity means so much for students, patients needing to travel to cities, and for small businesses to transport goods. The sleeper Vande Bharat to Kolkata is a blessing! Hope it's affordable for common people.

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