Guwahati, 03 October (HS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is undertaking several major infrastructure and capacity enhancement projects in Guwahati and adjoining areas to meet the growing demand for rail services, improve operational efficiency and strengthen connectivity across the Northeast.

Guwahati, the headquarters of NFR and a key gateway to the region, handles more than 50,000 passengers daily, with the figure rising to around 65,000 during peak seasons. More than 200 trains operate through the city every day.

Among the major projects is the Kamakhya-Guwahati 3rd Line Project, covering 5.74 km at a sanctioned cost of ₹467 crore. The additional line is aimed at enhancing line capacity, reducing congestion and facilitating smoother train operations. The project is targeted for completion by 2028.

The Agthori-Kamakhya Double Line Project, along with the 2nd Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge, has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹1,474 crore. Covering 7.20 km, the project includes a 1.3-km-long second Saraighat Bridge with a double-line railway track and a three-lane road. It is expected to augment rail and road capacity across the Brahmaputra and ease pressure on the existing Saraighat Bridge.

The project will also strengthen connectivity between Guwahati, North Guwahati and other parts of the Northeast and facilitate additional commuter train services.

NFR is also progressing with the construction of a Mega Coaching Complex at New Guwahati at a cost of ₹227 crore. The complex will have three pit lines, four stabling lines and two automatic coach-washing plants, strengthening train maintenance and terminal capacity.

Redevelopment of Guwahati and Kamakhya railway stations is also underway. Guwahati station is being developed as a modern facility with an IT park and on the green-building concept, incorporating solar power generation, waste management and water management measures. Construction of a second entry to the station is also in progress to provide an additional access point and help ease traffic congestion. The newly inaugurated Panbazar Road Over Bridge is further supporting smoother traffic movement and station remodelling works.

The Kamakhya-Azara Elevated Corridor is another key project aimed at improving rail connectivity while addressing environmental and wildlife concerns. An elevated viaduct is being constructed along the route, including the section passing through Deepor Beel, to facilitate safe and uninterrupted wildlife movement, including that of elephants. The remaining 13.25-km Azara-Kamakhya double-line stretch is targeted for completion by July 2028.

NFR is also strengthening freight and logistics infrastructure in the region through Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs). The GCT at Baihata, near Guwahati, has been completed, while rail connectivity between Jogighopa station yard and the Multi Modal Logistics Park GCT siding has also been completed. The connectivity is expected to strengthen Jogighopa's role as a major logistics hub and facilitate seamless multimodal movement of goods across the Northeast.

Taken together, the projects are expected to enhance railway capacity, operational efficiency and connectivity in and around Guwahati. Additional railway lines and the second Saraighat Bridge will help decongest existing infrastructure, while the Mega Coaching Complex will strengthen maintenance and terminal facilities. Station redevelopment and improved access will enhance passenger amenities, while elevated rail infrastructure will support both connectivity and wildlife movement. The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals will further strengthen freight and multimodal logistics infrastructure in the region.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash