Union Government launches new train services in Northeast

August 11, 2015

Union Government launched new train services in the Northeast Indian states after the completion of Balipara- Bhalukpong (Arunachal Pradesh) and North Lakhimpur-Murkongselek (Assam) sections into broad-gauge.
The train services were launched by the Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu through video-conferencing from New Delhi.
With commissioning of Balipara-Bhalukpong gauge conversion Arunachal Pradesh state has received second Broad Gauge connectivity in its history. Earlier in 2015, direct train service was launched between Arunachal Pradesh’s capital Itanagar and Delhi.
Project Background
These 510 km gauge conversion project was sanctioned in 2002-03 with the budgetary outlay of 3600 crore rupees. However, the project was delayed mainly due to funds constraint. But in 2014-15, another budgetary outlay of 713 crore rupees was provided for this line and additional balance of 300 crore rupee was provided in 2015-16.
Other Projects
Union Government has undertaken project of 13 new lines, 4 Doubling and 3 Gauge Conversion projects with allocation of 37,000 crore rupees in Northeast India. These projects on completion will augment railway network by 1915 km.