₹10,440 Cr allocated for Railway infrastructure projects in Northeast

Shillong, Feb 3: Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually interacted with media persons from the Northeast today to discuss the railway infrastructure projects outlined in the Union Budget for 2025-26. During the virtual session, the Minister announced a substantial allocation of Rs. 10,440 crores for the development of railway infrastructure in the Northeast, marking a historic increase in funding for the region.

Shri Vaishnaw stated that Indian Railways will continue to expand faster, safer and more comfortable rail travel across the country with a budget allocation of over Rs. 2.65 lakh crores for the second consecutive year. The Railway Ministry plans to roll out 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains and 50 Namo Bharat rapid rails, which will cater particularly to the needs of lower and middle-class citizens. Additionally, the construction of 1000 new flyovers and underpasses will further enhance safety across the country.

In his address, the Minister acknowledged the ongoing progress of railway projects in the Northeast, despite the challenging terrain.

Vaishnaw highlighted that since 2014, 1824 kilometers of new tracks have been laid, surpassing the entire rail network of Sri Lanka. Additionally, 478 new flyovers and underpasses have been constructed across the northeastern states. Furthermore, the implementation of Kavach safety systems on 1189 Route Kilometers is underway.

The General Managers of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and Shri Arun Kumar Choudhary, who were also present during the virtual interaction, informed that 92 stations in the region will be revamped under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. The electrification of all tracks under NFR jurisdiction is expected to be completed by December 2025 and the Bhairabi-Sairang project in Mizoram is scheduled for completion by July 2025.

The Rs. 10,440 crore allocation for railway infrastructure in the Northeast is more than five times higher than the average allocation of Rs. 2,122 crores during the 2009-2014 period. This unprecedented increase will support significant projects, including new lines, track renewals, traffic facilities, road safety works, bridge construction, signaling upgrades, and improved customer amenities.

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