The Northeastern region has seen a significant increase in rail connectivity and infrastructure development in the Union Budget 2026-27 under the Viksit Bharat vision. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced an allocation of Rs 11,486 crore for railway projects, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the continued support in expanding railways in the region. This enhanced budget allocation is expected to accelerate connectivity, economic growth, and strategic infrastructure development in the Northeast.
Sarma highlighted that the current budget allocation represents a substantial rise from the previous year, with Rs 10,440 crore provided in 2025-26. He mentioned that ongoing railway projects worth Rs 72,468 crore in Assam and other Northeastern states underscore the government’s long-term commitment to transforming the region’s transport landscape. Additionally, strategic rail links to Bhutan via the Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse routes are in the pipeline to bolster cross-border connectivity and trade.
The Chief Minister also revealed plans for a high-speed rail corridor up to Guwahati, aiming to position the city as a major rail hub in eastern India. Notably, 96% of railway electrification has been completed across the region, leading to improved efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, station modernization efforts include the redevelopment of 60 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger amenities and infrastructure.
In a move to protect elephant corridors, advanced AI-based thermal cameras and detection systems are being deployed alongside railway expansion projects. Sarma emphasized the importance of balancing infrastructure growth with environmental conservation, marking this as a crucial step forward. The introduction of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Guwahati-Kolkata route has commenced operations, enhancing long-distance travel comfort and reducing travel time between Assam and eastern India.
Asserting that Assam is on a trajectory of growth, Sarma underscored the significance of increased budgetary support for railways in boosting mobility, trade, tourism, and overall economic development across the Northeast under the Viksit Bharat roadmap.
