Guwahati, March 18: In a significant development for railway infrastructure in Assam, the recently inaugurated Furkating-New Tinsukia doubling project is set to greatly enhance rail capacity, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen Connectivity in eastern Assam and surrounding areas.
According to Kapinjol Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the project spans 194 kilometers and is estimated to cost around ₹3,634 crores. He emphasized 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 the project on March 13. The Furkating-New Tinsukia section is a crucial rail link under NFR, catering to both passenger and freight traffic.
Sharma noted that converting this route to a double line will alleviate pressure on the existing single line, enabling 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 underway on this section.
Meanwhile, progress is also being made on the Lumding-Furkating double line project, which spans approximately 140 kilometers and is another vital rail corridor under NFR. Approved with an estimated cost of ₹2,123.70 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25, this project aims to reduce congestion on one of the busiest single-line routes in the region.
The CPRO stated that upon completion, these projects will significantly improve train operations, reduce delays, and facilitate uninterrupted movement of both passenger and freight trains. The 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 involve critical sections such as Naojan-Sarupathar, Dhansiri-Rangapahar, and Dimapur connectivity.
As part of this initiative, 19 major bridges and 161 minor bridges will be constructed, along with the modernization of 20 railway stations, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project.
Sharma reiterated NFR’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.