Guwahati, 14 June (HS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has emerged as a key driver of socio-economic development across the northeastern region over the past 12 years, transforming rail infrastructure, connectivity, electrification and passenger services through significant investments and expansion projects.
According to NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, the railway budget allocation for the region has witnessed a sharp increase, rising from an average of ₹2,122 crore during 2009-14 to ₹11,486 crore for 2026-27. The enhanced funding has accelerated railway development and strengthened connectivity across the Northeast.
One of the most notable achievements has been the completion of the conversion of the entire metre-gauge network into broad gauge. Railway electrification, which was negligible before 2014, now covers more than 95% of the NFR network, with over 4,170 route kilometres electrified, enabling faster, cleaner and more efficient train operations.
NFR has also laid more than 2,000 kilometres of new railway lines, including doubling projects, while extending rail connectivity to the capitals of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Mizoram. Strategic railway projects in Nagaland, Manipur and Sikkim are progressing rapidly and are expected to further enhance regional connectivity.
Passenger amenities have improved considerably through the redevelopment of stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and the introduction of modern train services such as Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper. Stations have also been upgraded with lifts, escalators, digital ticketing systems and improved infrastructure.
Several major projects are currently underway, including a new rail-cum-road bridge alongside the Saraighat Bridge in Guwahati and a Wagon Periodic Overhauling Workshop at Basbari in Kokrajhar. NFR is also working to strengthen international connectivity with Bhutan through the Banarhat–Samtse and Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail links, which are expected to boost cross-border trade and economic growth.
In addition, NFR has undertaken several initiatives in safety, freight transportation and environmental conservation. More than 500 road overbridges and underpasses have been constructed, AI-based elephant intrusion detection systems have been introduced, and innovative canopy bridges have been installed for the protection of hoolock gibbons.
With multiple transformative railway projects in progress, NFR continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a modern, prosperous and well-connected Northeast.---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
