Assam Seeks Rail Expansion To Boost Connectivity

05 Nov 2025 CW Team

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on 2 November, urging for an expanded rail network across the state to strengthen both intra-state and international connectivity.

The 25-minute meeting focused on proposals designed to improve transport infrastructure and economic integration in the region. Sarma requested the introduction of three new Amrit Bharat trains to and from Assam, aimed at enhancing passenger accessibility and supporting regional economic activity.

Among his key proposals was a new railway line linking Umrangso in Dima Hasao district with Lanka in Hojai district. He noted that the link would boost connectivity between the hilly and central parts of Assam, while also opening new avenues for trade and tourism.

The chief minister further called for the early completion of the Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway line, a strategic project expected to become a vital transport corridor between India and Bhutan, promoting cross-border trade and cooperation.

Sarma also proposed additional stoppages for major trains passing through Assam to make rail services more accessible for local commuters across various districts.

Following the discussions, Sarma stated that the railway minister had responded positively and agreed to act on the proposed initiatives — including the introduction of new Amrit Bharat trains, the development of the Umrangso–Lanka rail link, and the expedited completion of the Kokrajhar–Gelephu line.

Vaishnaw reportedly assured that the Railway Ministry would take prompt steps to implement the proposals, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and fostering growth in Assam.

Building Material

27 Nov 2025

Shalimar Paints Launches New Durable Luxury Interior and Exterior Range

Shalimar Paints has introduced three additions to its portfolio: Hero Insignia Luxury Interior Emulsion, Superlac PU Gloss Enamel and Hero Weather Guard 12 Luxury Exterior Emulsion. The new range is designed to combine finish, durability and environmental responsibility for modern residential spaces.Hero Insignia is a water-based luxury interior emulsion formulated with hybrid binder technology, providing a silky finish, stain resistance and protection from scuff marks. It offers more than 2,000 colour options, a 10-year promise and zero VOC levels, and can be applied on plaster, concrete and ..

Trimble Promotes Harsh Pareek as VP Direct Sales for APAC

Trimble has promoted Harsh Pareek to Vice President, Direct Sales, Asia-Pacific for its Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) division. Mr Pareek joined the company in 2017 and has more than 27 years of industry experience. He most recently served as Regional Sales Director for India for over eight years, during which he played a major role in accelerating Trimble’s growth and expanding its footprint across the Indian Subcontinent.Expressing his focus for the new role, Mr Pareek said that the AECO sector in Asia-Pacific is entering a phase driven by technology, sustai..

Rajasthan Moves Mining Processes Fully Online From 15 December

The Rajasthan government will make all mining-related processes entirely paperless from 15 December, a senior official said. The Mines, Geology and Petroleum Department will halt all offline work across its mining modules, requiring officials to operate exclusively through online systems. Principal Secretary (Mines) T Ravikant said compliance monitoring will begin on 1 December while addressing an orientation workshop for officials from the Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Kota and Bikaner zones. Ravikant explained that the department has developed two mobile applications and fourteen online modules..