Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Delhi and discussed ways to accelerate railway infrastructure development across the state, with a focus on improving connectivity and enhancing passenger amenities.The CM also met external affairs minister S Jaishankar and discussed how Assam can play a role in strengthening trade and tourism ties with neighbouring countries.Sarma and Vaishnaw reviewed the ongoing transformation of Assam’s railway network, including the expansion of more than 1,300 km of railway tracks and the redevelopment of over 50 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.“We exchanged notes on expanding the overall railway network and rail infrastructure in Assam, which includes work on ongoing 1,300+ km of track expansion and 50+ Amrit Bharat stations,” the CM said in a post on ‘X’.The discussions formed part of the Centre’s and state govt’s broader efforts to strengthen rail connectivity, improve transport infrastructure and support economic growth in Assam and other northeastern states.The ongoing projects are expected to enhance passenger convenience, improve freight movement and provide a significant boost to regional development, further integrating Assam with the national railway network.The new railway line from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan, linking Assam with Bhutan, was announced last year with the aim to improve cross-border connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties.The proposed 69.04 km railway line will connect Kokrajhar station in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan and is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crores. The project includes the development of six new stations – Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri and Gelephu.Additionally, the infrastructure plan features two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one road-over-bridge and 39 road under bridges.In a tweet posted on ‘X’ after meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Sarma said, “His perspective on global affairs and how India is navigating current geopolitical headwinds is always enlightening. I thanked him for sharing his insights on further strengthening Bharat’s Act East Policy. We look forward to his guidance on how Assam can play a role in strengthening trade and tourism ties with neighbouring countries.”The CM also called on defence minister Rajnath Singh and ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday and thanked them for their “impactful campaign” during the state assembly elections.
