Somanna reviews railway modernization in Assam, announces major investments and electrification targets

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 9, 2025

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, conducted a three-day visit to Assam and the Northeast to assess ongoing railway infrastructure projects and modernization efforts. During his inspection, he visited Dibrugarh Railway Station on Saturday and Guwahati Railway Station on Sunday, evaluating redevelopment works under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) and reviewing passenger facilities.

At Dibrugarh Railway Station, Somanna inspected the Rs. 26.27 crore modernization project, which is set for completion by October 2025. He assessed safety measures, passenger amenities, and key infrastructural developments, including railway electrification and the Murkongselek–Pasighat New Line project. Later, he visited the Bogibeel Rail-cum-Road Bridge, which has significantly improved connectivity between Dibrugarh and Dhemaji across the Brahmaputra River.

On Sunday, accompanied by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, Somanna inspected Guwahati Railway Station, where a Rs. 181.09 crore redevelopment project is underway. He reviewed essential facilities, including waiting halls, QR code ticketing counters, security arrangements, and the Executive Lounge, commending the station’s cleanliness and discussing further enhancements with railway officials.

During a review meeting, Somanna emphasized the need for timely completion of railway electrification projects, reiterating that Assam will achieve 100% railway electrification by the end of 2025. He highlighted key expansion projects, including track doubling and network extension to improve regional connectivity.

Addressing the media, Somanna credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the unprecedented progress in Northeast railway infrastructure, citing a record Rs. 10,440 crore allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26 for railway development in the region. He further noted that 50 railway stations in Assam are undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to modernizing railway stations and strengthening rail connectivity, Somanna assured that the ongoing projects will boost regional connectivity, passenger convenience, and economic growth in the Northeast.