PM Modi’s Vision Drives Railway Connectivity In Northeast Bharat

In a landmark stride towards national integration and development, the period between 2018 and 2025 has seen Northeast Bharat undergo an unparalleled railway transformation.

Strategic infrastructure projects have connected remote regions to the rest of the country. They introduced electrified rail lines, new passenger and freight services, and some of the world’s most ambitious engineering feats.

These efforts have revitalised connectivity, enhanced trade, encouraged tourism, and created new economic opportunities in a historically under-connected region.

Aizawl Joins National Rail Network After 26 Years

Indian Railways connected Mizoram’s capital Aizawl for the first time in 26 years through the newly constructed 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang broad gauge line. The railway section, comprising 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges, includes a towering 104-metre-high bridge. This vital link is a cornerstone of Bharat’s ‘Act East Policy’, significantly enhancing mobility, economic access, and employment generation in the state.

Rajdhani Route Electrified; Greener, Faster Trains for Northeast

IRCON’s successful electrification of the Rajdhani route, including the Lumding-Tinsukia and Dibrugarh-Duliajan sections, ushered in the region’s first fully electric Rajdhani Express. The project boosts operational efficiency. It reduces fuel costs and lowers emissions. It also supports the nation’s push toward sustainable, green rail transport.

World’s Tallest Railway Pier Bridge in Manipur

The Jiribam–Tupul–Imphal railway line in Manipur now features the world’s tallest railway pier, Noney Bridge, standing 141 metres high. This line includes 45 tunnels and 145 bridges. It has reduced the Imphal–Jiribam travel time from 12 hours to just 2. The project enhances connectivity and links the region more effectively to national and potential Southeast Asian networks.

Nagaland’s Freight Connectivity Expanded

A breakthrough for Nagaland, the first freight trial train ran on the new 15.42 km Shokhuvi–Molvom section under the Dhansiri–Zubza project. This move positions Molvom as the state’s third key railway station. It streamlines goods movement and supports local trade. It also lays the groundwork for future passenger services.

Meghalaya Welcomes First Freight Train

In a historic event, Meghalaya received its first freight train, 21 wagons carrying food grains, to North Garo Hills. With four new tracks and a dedicated goods yard, this advancement promises cheaper, faster supply chains for essential goods, uplifting local economies and improving living standards.

Assam’s First Vande Bharat Express Boosts Regional Tourism

Assam joined the elite rail league with its first Vande Bharat Express connecting Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri. Covering 407 km in 5.5 hours, the high-speed train offers enhanced comfort and safety while improving access to key destinations like Kaziranga National Park and Kamakhya Temple.

Nagaland Gets Second Railway Station After a Century

Nagaland’s rail network expanded significantly with the establishment of a second railway station in Shokhuvi, 100 years after the first in Dimapur. Indian Railways extended the Donyi Polo Express to this station. This marks a major step toward connecting Kohima via the Dhansiri–Zubza project. It also boosts trade and mobility in this strategic region.

First Goods Train Since Independence Arrives in Manipur

Manipur celebrated the arrival of its first goods train post-independence at the newly renamed Rani Gaidinliu Station in Tamenglong. Part of the larger Jiribam–Imphal rail project, the route enhances logistics, provides better market access, and supports job creation.

Jan Shatabdi Express Links Manipur and Tripura

The first Jan Shatabdi Express service between Agartala and Jiribam has slashed inter-state travel time from 12 hours by road to 6 by rail. Operating on a broad-gauge track developed under a ₹1,000 crore project, this service is a milestone in affordable and efficient connectivity in the Northeast.

Bogibeel Bridge: Engineering Feat and Strategic Asset

In Assam, the 4.94 km-long Bogibeel Bridge, flagged off by PM Modi, is a double-decker marvel carrying both road and rail traffic. Built at ₹5,900 crore, the bridge cuts travel time, improves access to Arunachal, strengthens defence logistics, and resists earthquakes.

These transformative railway projects reflect a strategic vision to bring Northeast Bharat into the national mainstream—socially, economically, and logistically. From state capitals newly connected to the national network to the world’s tallest rail bridge and green electrified corridors, this era marks the dawn of a more integrated and prosperous Northeast.

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