Guwahati, March 17: Officials announced on Tuesday that the recently launched Furkating-New Tinsukia railway doubling project will significantly enhance rail capacity, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen connectivity in eastern Assam and surrounding areas.
Kapinjol Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, stated that the project spans 194 kilometers with an estimated cost of approximately ₹3,634 crore. He further explained that the work is being carried out in a planned and phased manner to improve connectivity in upper Assam and nearby regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this project on March 13. The Furkating-New Tinsukia section is a crucial rail link under the NFR, handling both passenger and freight traffic.
Sharma noted that converting this route to a double line will reduce pressure on the existing single line, allowing for faster, easier, and more reliable train operations. The project is expected to benefit long-distance and intercity services while also promoting regional economic development. Work is currently ongoing on this section.
Meanwhile, progress is also being made rapidly on the Lumding-Furkating double line project. This 140-kilometer section is another vital rail corridor under NFR. Approved at an estimated cost of ₹2,123.70 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year, the project aims to alleviate congestion on one of the busiest single-line routes in the region.
According to the CPRO, once completed, the project will greatly improve train operations, reduce delays, and facilitate uninterrupted movement of both passenger and freight traffic. These projects are being completed in several phases, with a target completion date set for January 2028.
Key milestones include phased operations starting in May 2026, which will cover critical sections such as the Naojan-Sarupathar, Dhansiri-Rangapahar, and Dimapur connectivity sections.
As part of this initiative, 19 major bridges and 161 minor bridges will be constructed, and 20 railway stations will be modernized, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project. Sharma reaffirmed the Northeast Frontier Railway’s commitment to completing these strategic projects on time, aligning with the vision of modernizing Indian Railways’ infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in the northeastern region.