The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Aluabari Road and New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision, calling it a crucial step toward realizing the region’s long-standing transportation goals.The railway expansion project will cover a distance of 57 kilometres under the jurisdiction of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), with an estimated investment of ₹1,786 crore. Part of the high-density Delhi–Guwahati corridor, the initiative is expected to ease existing congestion, improve the punctuality of passenger trains, and significantly ramp up freight movement across Northeast India.“The Cabinet’s approval marks a historic moment for our region,” said Chief Minister Sarma. “This project will not only improve rail connectivity but also serve as a backbone for economic development in Assam and the entire Northeast.”
Designed to support both economic and strategic objectives, the dual-line expansion will enable the transport of an additional 21.6 million tonnes of cargo each year. Officials project annual savings of around ₹2,551 crore in logistics costs and a substantial reduction in fuel use — conserving nearly 2.14 crore litres of diesel.Infrastructure development under the project will include major upgrades across seven railway stations, construction of 99 bridges, three Road Over Bridges (ROBs), and eight Road Under Bridges (RUBs). These improvements are expected to enhance safety, efficiency, and travel reliability for both freight and passenger operations. Strategically, the route plays a vital role in connecting key areas of Bihar (Kishanganj) and West Bengal (Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Uttar Dinajpur). Given its proximity to the international borders of Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the upgraded corridor holds potential for strengthening cross-border trade and regional diplomacy.
The Chief Minister also underscored the state’s commitment to working closely with the Northeast Frontier Railway to ensure timely and efficient implementation. “This initiative aligns with our broader vision of transforming Assam into a gateway for Southeast Asian trade and tourism,” Sarma added.The project is anticipated to bring multiple long-term benefits — including faster train services, smoother movement of essential goods like tea, timber, and agricultural produce, and new opportunities for employment and commerce in rural areas.As Northeast India continues to push for greater integration with national and global markets, the Aluabari–NJP rail expansion is being viewed not just as an infrastructure upgrade but as a key enabler of regional transformation. Once completed, the enhanced corridor is likely to become a lifeline for the Northeast, paving the way for more ambitious rail connectivity initiatives in the near future.