Railways Steps Up Northeast Push, Revamps 60 Stations
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Railways Steps Up Northeast Push, Revamps 60 Stations

Indian Railways has accelerated infrastructure development in the northeast, with 60 stations being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the government said on Tuesday.

Since 2014, Indian Railways has laid more than 1,679 km of new railway tracks in the northeastern region and electrified over 2,500 route kilometres. During this period, more than 470 road overbridges and underbridges have also been constructed, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

A major milestone has been achieved with the full commissioning of the Bairabi–Sairang new line, which has connected Aizawl to the national rail network for the first time. Aizawl has now become the fourth capital city in the northeast to be linked by rail.

The ministry said several other strategic projects, including the Sivok–Rangpo, Dimapur–Kohima and Jiribam–Imphal lines, are progressing steadily. These initiatives are expected to strengthen economic and social integration of the northeast with the rest of the country.

Indian Railways is currently undertaking some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects of the 21st century, aimed at strengthening national integration, improving logistics efficiency and expanding the modern rail network. From complex bridges in challenging terrain to freight corridors and high-speed rail, these projects reflect India’s growing engineering capabilities and long-term vision.

One of the most significant projects is the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, a project of high strategic and national importance. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 440 billion, the 272 km line passes through the Himalayan region and provides all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

The project includes the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 metres above the river—taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge has been engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind conditions. It also features India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Rail Bridge, along with 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and a total of 943 bridges.

Another key achievement is the New Pamban Railway Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge. Built at a cost of about Rs 5.5 billion, the 2.08 km-long bridge comprises 100 spans, including a central 72.5-metre vertical-lift span. The bridge ensures uninterrupted rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage and tourism centre, and has received the Steel Structures and Metal Buildings Award 2024 in the Bridge Design category.

Indian Railways is also advancing in high-speed rail development. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, being implemented by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited, has seen significant progress. As of 21 December 2025, viaduct construction has been completed for 331 km of the total 508 km alignment, while pier work has been completed for 410 km, the ministry said.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Indian Railways has accelerated infrastructure development in the northeast, with 60 stations being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the government said on Tuesday. Since 2014, Indian Railways has laid more than 1,679 km of new railway tracks in the northeastern region and electrified over 2,500 route kilometres. During this period, more than 470 road overbridges and underbridges have also been constructed, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement. A major milestone has been achieved with the full commissioning of the Bairabi–Sairang new line, which has connected Aizawl to the national rail network for the first time. Aizawl has now become the fourth capital city in the northeast to be linked by rail. The ministry said several other strategic projects, including the Sivok–Rangpo, Dimapur–Kohima and Jiribam–Imphal lines, are progressing steadily. These initiatives are expected to strengthen economic and social integration of the northeast with the rest of the country. Indian Railways is currently undertaking some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects of the 21st century, aimed at strengthening national integration, improving logistics efficiency and expanding the modern rail network. From complex bridges in challenging terrain to freight corridors and high-speed rail, these projects reflect India’s growing engineering capabilities and long-term vision. One of the most significant projects is the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, a project of high strategic and national importance. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 440 billion, the 272 km line passes through the Himalayan region and provides all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The project includes the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 metres above the river—taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge has been engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind conditions. It also features India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Rail Bridge, along with 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and a total of 943 bridges. Another key achievement is the New Pamban Railway Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge. Built at a cost of about Rs 5.5 billion, the 2.08 km-long bridge comprises 100 spans, including a central 72.5-metre vertical-lift span. The bridge ensures uninterrupted rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage and tourism centre, and has received the Steel Structures and Metal Buildings Award 2024 in the Bridge Design category. Indian Railways is also advancing in high-speed rail development. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, being implemented by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited, has seen significant progress. As of 21 December 2025, viaduct construction has been completed for 331 km of the total 508 km alignment, while pier work has been completed for 410 km, the ministry said.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement