Union Budget Allocates Rs 10,376 Crore for Northeast Railway Projects
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Union Budget 2024-25 has earmarked Rs 10,376 crore for railway projects in the northeastern states, a significant increase from the average annual allocation of Rs 2,122 crore during 2009-14.
During a virtual media interaction, Vaishnaw noted that the Gross Budget Allocation for the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) for FY 2024-25 stands at Rs 14,183.69 crore. NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava highlighted that substantial funds have been designated for infrastructure and safety-related projects in the region, marking a considerable improvement over previous years.
Shrivastava reported that 921 route kilometers (RKM) were electrified in 2023-24, with a target of electrifying 1,573 RKM in 2024-25. Completing the electrification of all northeastern states, Rs 694.69 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
This year's Budget allocations reflect unprecedented growth in various segments for NFR, with approximately Rs 8,378.53 crore set aside for new lines and doubling projects. Emphasizing safety and operations, Rs 1,305.07 crore has been allocated for track renewal and bridge works, and Rs 170 crore for signaling and telecom upgrades. Additionally, Rs 537 crore has been earmarked to enhance passenger amenities at station premises.
Shrivastava also mentioned that 18 railway infrastructure projects, covering a length of 1,368 kilometers and totaling an investment of Rs 74,972 crore, are currently underway across the northeastern region. Under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme, 60 stations are set for redevelopment with world-class facilities, including 50 in Assam, four in Tripura, and one each in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
Since 2014, a record number of 470 road over bridges and road under bridges have been constructed within NFR’s jurisdiction, replacing existing level crossing gates to enhance safety for both road and rail users.
