The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has been allocated a sum of Rs. 8,060 crores for infrastructural development from the total amount granted to the Indian Railways in the General Budget of 2021-22.
Of this, Rs 650 crores has been allocated for doubling of the New Bongaigaon - Agthori section (vis Rangiya) and Rs 610 crores for the New Bongaigaon - Goalpara - Guwahati section. Digaru - Hojai doubling work has been allocated Rs. 100 crores and New Mainaguri – Gumanihat doubling work granted another Rs 110 crores, among other grants.
This year’s budget has put the thrust mainly on infrastructure development, speed augmentation of trains, development of terminal facilities, improvement of amenities for passengers and other users, construction of road over bridges/road under bridges for the safety of road users, modernization of the signal system for enhancement of safety and speed.
Northeast Frontier Railway is undertaking rail connectivity work in all the 8 states of the northeast region. Doubling of railway lines in identified High Density Network (HDN) sections are undertaken for faster connectivity. Automatic signal system will be provided in the High Density Network sections. Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is also planned to be implemented in HDN and HUN routes. NFR is also taking measures to optimize logistic services to boost economic growth in the region.
“Focus is also on International connectivity particularly with Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar as per the Act East Policy of the government which will prove to be beneficial for large scale economic development of entire NE Region,” informed NF Railway in an official statement.
“Indian Railways is marching ahead on its bigger plan like achieving 100% electrification and a Net Zero Carbon Emission network by 2030. As per Indian Railways target of electrification work; electrification up to Guwahati is expected to be completed by March this year. Work in the balance portion of NFR is targeted for completion by March 2024,” it stated.
It may be mentioned here that Indian Railways has received the highest ever total Plan capex of Rs 2, 15,058 crores in this financial year’s budget with Rs 7,500 crores from internal resources, Rs 1,00,258 crores from extra budgetary resources and Rs 1,07,100 crores from capital expenditure allocation.
“The Union Budget 2021-22 in the Parliament will help to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030,” read the official statement.
