MALIGAON, Jan 12: Indian Railways is ushering in a comprehensive transformation of rail infrastructure in Assam through sustained investment, modern technology and a strong passenger-centric approach. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railway development in Assam has been accorded high priority as a key driver of inclusive growth, regional integration and economic progress. The impact of this focused push since 2014 is clearly visible across railway network expansion, electrification, station redevelopment, safety initiatives and passenger amenities.
Railway network expansion in Assam has gained significant momentum. Over the last five years, 416 km of new railway track has been constructed. This includes 50 km of new line between Bilasipara and Abhayapuri, completed in 2021, along with 366 km of doubling works, substantially enhancing line capacity and operational efficiency. At present, Assam’s railway network comprises 2,571 route kilometres and 4,199 track kilometres, strengthening connectivity across major economic centres, urban hubs and remote regions of the State.
Electrification has emerged as a major milestone in Assam’s railway development. About 95% electrification has already been completed, covering 2,456 route kilometres, with the remaining 116 route kilometres nearing completion. As a result, long-distance trains such as the Dibrugarh–Kanyakumari Vivek Express and the Dibrugarh–New Delhi Rajdhani Express are now operating end-to-end on electric traction, ensuring cleaner, faster and more energy-efficient journeys.
Passenger experience is being significantly enhanced through large-scale station redevelopment. A total of 50 stations in Assam are being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Haibargaon station, inaugurated in May 2025, became the first Amrit Station in the state, featuring modern architecture, improved waiting areas, enhanced amenities and Divyangjan-friendly facilities. Passenger convenience has further improved with the installation of 46 lifts across stations (24 in Assam), 33 escalators over NFR (21 in Assam), and Wi-Fi facilities at 218 stations in Assam.
Assam has also joined India’s semi-high-speed rail network with the introduction of the Guwahati–New JalpaiguriVande Bharat Express. Also, soon the PM will present the Assam state and the region with a 1st of its kind Sleeper class Vande Bharat Express train that will serve between Kamakhya (Assam) & Kolkata (WB). Along with it 1st two Amrit Bharat Non-AC trains will also be introduced between Dibrugarh-Gomtinagar & Kamakhya-Rohtak for Assam. Safety and sustainability initiatives include the construction of over 28 road overbridges and 270 road underbridges, closure of 152 level crossing gates, and deployment of India’s first AI-based Intrusion Detection System for elephant protection. Rail heritage conservation has been strengthened through the Railway Heritage Park and Museum at New Tinsukia.
Several major infrastructure projects have been taken up since 2014, including Lumding–Dibrugarh doubling, the New Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge (targeted for completion by 2029), an elevated corridor between Azara and Kamakhya, a third line between Kamakhya and New Guwahati, and the 69 km Kokrajhar–Gelephu (Bhutan) new line, sanctioned in September 2025. Additional initiatives include five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, installation of 1,052 AI-enabled CCTV cameras at 50 stations, and adoption of advanced technologies such as drone-based cleaning and underwater robotic bridge inspections.
These developments align closely with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently emphasised connectivity as the backbone of inclusive growth. His focus on integrating the Northeast with the rest of the country through modern infrastructure is clearly reflected in the rail budget. The ongoing transformation of Assam’s railways goes beyond infrastructure creation, strengthening connectivity, enhancing passenger comfort and firmly integrating the state into the national growth narrative, reflecting the spirit of inclusive and future-ready development.