Record Railway Budget boosts connectivity: Indian Railways allocates Rs 11,486 Cr for Assam & Northeast in 2026–27

Guwahati: The Indian Railways Budget allocation for 2026–2027 marks a historic milestone for Assam and the North Eastern states under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The Government of India has earmarked a record Rs 11,486 crore for Assam and the North Eastern states, reflecting a fivefold increase compared to 2014 and reaffirming its commitment to faster, safer and future-ready rail connectivity across the region.

A massive infrastructure push is underway in Assam and the Northeast with Rs72,468 crore worth of railway projects currently in progress. Surveys for new railway lines are being conducted to further expand the network, while rail connectivity to Bhutan from Kokrajhar to Gelephu (69 Km) is being planned. Railway projects in Manipur have resumed and works in Sikkim and Nagaland are also progressing at a fast rate, significantly improving regional and international connectivity.

One of the most significant infrastructure developments in Assam is the launch of the nation’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train services on the Kamakhya–Howrah route, connecting Assam and West Bengal on 17thJanuary 2026. The very next day marked another proud moment with the commencement of Assam’s first Amrit Bharat Express train services—Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar). Both services were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further strengthening long-distance rail connectivity between Assam, West Bengal, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the Varanasi–Siliguri via Patna bullet train corridor has been proposed, with plans to extend it up to Guwahati in the future, bringing the Northeast onto India’s high-speed rail network.

Railway network expansion and electrification have accelerated across Assam and the North East under NFR. Since 2014, about 1900 km of new tracks have been laid, while five NE states are fully electrified and Assam has achieved 98% electrification, with 2,839 km electrified across the region. Additionally, 502 flyovers and underpasses have been built and the Kavach safety system has been sanctioned for 1197 km, with works in progress on 235 km.

Technology and safety remain key priorities, with the deployment of AI-based camera systems to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks and the strengthening of Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for smarter operations.

With investments now five times higher than 2014, Indian Railways is driving inclusive growth, boosting trade and tourism and ushering in a new era of sustainable rail development for Assam, Northeast and the nation. The expanded rail network under NFR plays a crucial role in advancing the Government of India’s Act East Policy by enhancing cross-border and regional connectivity in the Northeast.