Guwahati: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the railway line between Furkating and New Tinsukia in Assam.
This decision aims to significantly improve railway infrastructure in the Northeast.
Notably, the Union Cabinet has approved four railway projects with a total investment of Rs 12,328 crore aimed at ensuring seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods.
“Grateful to the Union Cabinet led by Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji for approving the Furkating- Tinsukia Doubling project at a cost of Rs 3,634cr. This will allow faster movement of passenger and goods and aid in faster development of the region,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will develop the 194-km railway stretch at an estimated cost of Rs 3,634 crore. This project is expected to boost the capacity, speed, and reliability of both passenger and freight services on the vital corridor.
The Furkating–New Tinsukia railway line is a crucial link connecting Upper Assam to the rest of India. Currently, it serves several long-distance and intercity trains, including the Rajdhani Express, and is a major route for freight transport.
Once completed, the doubling project is expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion, enabling more dependable and faster rail services.
This initiative is part of the central government’s larger plan to improve transportation and logistics throughout the Northeast, which is a key priority for national infrastructure development.
The three other projects include Deshalpar – Hajipir – Luna and Vayor – Lakhpat New Line, Secunderabad (Sanathnagar) – Wadi 3rd and 4th Line and Bhagalpur – Jamalpur 3rd line.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government’s focus on connectivity and next-gen infrastructure is reflected yet again in the Cabinet decision pertaining to multi-tracking of three projects benefitting Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar as well as Assam and “for a new railway line in remote areas of Kutch in Gujarat”.
