MALIGAON, Jan 13: Assam has long been recognised as the gateway to the Northeast, both geographically and strategically. For decades, this gateway remained underutilised due to limited connectivity and infrastructure gaps. Over the last 11 years that reality has changed decisively. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railways have emerged as a key driver of Assam’s transformation and the Northeast’s integration with the national mainstream.
The development philosophy of the central leadership has been clear and consistent. Connectivity has been treated as the foundation of growth. Infrastructure has been used as an enabler of opportunity. Also, it has ensured Growth must reach the last mile. The double engine governance model with strong coordination between the Centre and the state has significantly accelerated the pace of development. As a result, Assam has moved from the margins to the centre of India’s rail development agenda. This transformation has been driven by a sharp increase in public investment. Average annual railway budget allocation for Assam and the Northeast rose from Rs. 2,122 crore during 2009-14 to Rs 10,440 crore in 2025-26, an increase of nearly five times. This sustained funding push has translated into continuous on ground activity with railway works worth more than Rs 77,330 crore currently under progress across Assam and the Northeastern states.
Track expansion has been one of the most visible outcomes of this investment. Since 2014, Indian Railways has constructed over 1,840 kilometres of new railway lines across Assam and the Northeast. In Assam alone, 416 kilometres of new track have been laid in the last five years, including 50 kilometres of new line and 366 kilometres of doubling. The total railway network in Assam now stands at 4,199 track kilometres, significantly enhancing operational efficiency in the state. Several landmark projects have reshaped Assam’s railway geography. These include Bogibeel Bridge, built at a cost of Rs 5,820 crore along with 92 kilometres of linked rail lines, Gauge conversion on projects such as Rangiya-Murkongselek (510 km, Rs 3,019 cr) and Lumding-Silchar & Badarpur-Kumarghat (412 km, Rs 6500 cr) have ensured seamless connectivity to remote and border areas, strengthening strategic movement. With these projects, Indian Railways has steadily dismantled decades of isolation. Assam functions as the central rail artery, enabling passenger movement, trade, tourism and economic exchange across the region.
High-Tech train services have complemented this infrastructure expansion. The Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express currently operates as the region’s flagship semi-high-speed service. It covers three districts and four unique stoppages in Assam and North East region. It has reduced travel time while significantly upgrading passenger comfort and service standards in the Northeast. While tracks and trains form the backbone of connectivity, stations are the public face of Indian Railways. To modernise this interface, Indian Railways launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Nationwide, more than 1,300 stations are being redeveloped under the scheme across the country. In the Northeast, 60 stations have been selected, with Assam accounting for 50 of them. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme involves an investment of Rs 2,101 crore for the 60 Amrit Bharat stations of the Northeast, making Assam the largest beneficiary in the region.
The 50 Amrit Bharat stations in Assam span major urban centres and regional towns, ensuring balanced regional development. These include Amguri, Arunachal, Chaparmukh, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Diphu, Duliajan, Fakiragram Jn., Gauripur, Gohpur, Golaghat, Gossaigaon hat, Guwahati, Haibargaon, Harmuti, Hojai, Jagi Road, Jorhat Town, Kamakhya Jn, Kokrajhar, Lanka, Ledo, Lumding Jn, Majbat, Makum Jn, Margherita, Mariani Jn, Murkongselek, Naharkatiya, Nalbari, Namrup, Narangi, New Bongaigaon Jn, New Haflong, New Karimganj Jn, New Tinsukia Jn, North Lakhimpur, Pathshala, Rangapara North Jn, Rangiya Jn, Sarupathar, Sibsagar Town, Silapathar, Silchar, Simaluguri, Tangla, Tinsukia, Udalguri, Viswanath Chariali. Haibargaon station, inaugurated in May 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, became Assam’s first completed Amrit Bharat station and established new benchmarks for passenger amenities and design.
These redevelopments focus on improved station buildings, upgraded platforms, better circulation areas, modern waiting halls, enhanced signage and Divyangjan-friendly facilities. Local culture and architectural elements are being incorporated to ensure that stations reflect Assam’s identity while meeting contemporary standards of safety and comfort. Alongside physical redevelopment, passenger amenities have expanded significantly alongside infrastructure. Since 2014, 24 lifts and 21 escalators have been installed at stations in Assam, the highest in the Northeast. Wi-Fi connectivity is now available at 218 stations across the state. Safety and technology upgrades include over 1,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, AI-based intrusion detection systems for elephant corridors and underwater robotic bridge inspections etc.
Assam’s railway journey over the last eleven years reflects a shift from intent to execution. Record budgetary support, policy clarity and sustained focus on time-bound delivery have reshaped connectivity across the state and the Northeast. As India’s gateway to the Northeast region, Assam now stands firmly connected, confidently positioned and fully aligned with the Nation’s growth trajectory.