Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing, marking a significant day for Northeast connectivity. The Vande Bharat Express will connect Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri, reducing the journey time to 5 hours and 30 minutes. The Prime Minister also dedicated 182 kilometers of newly electrified railway tracks and inaugurated a DEMU/MEMU shed in Lumding, Assam.
During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of these developments for the Northeast region. He emphasized that the Vande Bharat Express will strengthen the historic ties between Assam and West Bengal and improve travel convenience, benefiting students and generating employment opportunities in tourism and business. The train will facilitate access to important destinations such as Maa Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga, Manas National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Tawang, and Pasighat.
Reflecting on the achievements of the NDA government over the past nine years, the Prime Minister emphasized the focus on welfare initiatives for the poor. He cited examples of housing, sanitation, water and electricity connections, infrastructure development, and the establishment of AIIMS hospitals, which have improved the lives of people across the country. The Prime Minister also highlighted the inclusive nature of infrastructure development, emphasizing that it benefits all sections of society and promotes social justice and secularism.
The Prime Minister noted that the Northeast has been a major beneficiary of infrastructure development, especially in terms of rail connectivity. He mentioned the expansion of railways in the region, which had been neglected for many years, and the current government’s efforts to address the infrastructure gaps. He stressed the government’s commitment to the sensitivities and needs of the Northeast people, as evidenced by the significant increase in rail budget allocation for the region.
The Prime Minister praised the rapid pace of development in the Northeast, with new rail lines being laid three times faster and doubling of rail lines occurring nine times faster than before. He highlighted the government’s efforts to connect all capital cities of the Northeast with broad gauge networks and mentioned the allocation of one lakh crore rupees for these projects.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister discussed the positive impact of railway development on remote areas of the Northeast, such as the establishment of new railway stations and the operation of Vande Bharat Semi High-speed trains and Tejas Express. He highlighted the role of the Indian Railways in connecting communities, providing opportunities, and promoting social initiatives, such as the first transgender tea stall at Guwahati Railway Station. The Prime Minister also mentioned initiatives like the ‘One Station, One Product’ scheme, which supports local artisans and craftsmen, and the provision of Wi-Fi facilities at numerous railway stations in the Northeast.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, electrification of railway tracks, and the inauguration of the DEMU/MEMU shed are expected to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and contribute to the overall development of the Northeast region.