NFR Accelerates Railway Infrastructure Development in Guwahati

Dalim Phukan.
Hills Live News, Guwahati, October 3: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has undertaken a series of major infrastructure and capacity-enhancement projects in Guwahati and adjoining areas to meet the growing demand for rail services, improve operational efficiency and strengthen connectivity across the Northeast.Hills Live News,
Guwahati Railway Station, the headquarters of NFR and a key gateway to the region, handles more than 50,000 passengers daily, with the figure rising to around 65,000 during peak seasons. More than 200 trains operate through the station every day.
Among the major projects is the Kamakhya-Guwahati 3rd Line Project, covering 5.74 km at a sanctioned cost of Rs 467 crore. The additional line is expected to enhance railway capacity and ease congestion, facilitating smoother train operations. The project is targeted for completion by 2028.
Another significant project is the Agthori-Kamakhya Double Line Project, along with the construction of the 2nd Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1,474 crore. Covering 7.20 km, the project includes a 1.3-km-long second Saraighat bridge with a double-line railway track and a three-lane road. The infrastructure is aimed at augmenting rail and road capacity across the Brahmaputra and easing pressure on the existing Saraighat Bridge. It will also strengthen connectivity between Guwahati, North Guwahati and other parts of the Northeast and facilitate additional commuter train services.
To strengthen terminal and maintenance facilities, construction of a Mega Coaching Complex at New Guwahati is progressing at a cost of Rs 227 crore. The complex will have three pit lines, four stabling lines and two automatic coach-washing plants, enhancing coaching capacity and maintenance facilities.
Redevelopment of Guwahati and Kamakhya railway stations is also underway. Guwahati Railway Station is being transformed into a modern facility with an IT park and is being developed on the green-building concept, incorporating solar power generation, waste management and water management measures. A second entry to the station is also under construction to provide an additional access point and help reduce traffic congestion.
The newly inaugurated Panbazar Road Over Bridge is supporting smoother traffic movement and station remodelling activities. Redevelopment work at Kamakhya Railway Station is also progressing, with emphasis on upgraded facilities and improved passenger amenities.
The Kamakhya-Azara Elevated Corridor is another major project aimed at strengthening rail connectivity while addressing environmental and wildlife concerns. An elevated viaduct is being constructed along the route, including the section passing through Deepor Beel, to facilitate safe and uninterrupted movement of wildlife, including elephants. The remaining 13.25-km Azara-Kamakhya double-line stretch is targeted for completion by July 2028.
NFR is also strengthening freight and logistics infrastructure through Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs). The GCT at Baihata, near Guwahati, has been completed, enhancing freight-handling and logistics capabilities. Rail connectivity between Jogighopa station yard and the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) GCT siding has also been completed, strengthening Jogighopa’s potential as a major logistics hub and facilitating multimodal movement of goods across the Northeast.
According to NFR, the various projects will collectively enhance the capacity, efficiency and resilience of the railway network in and around Guwahati. Additional railway lines and the second Saraighat Bridge are expected to ease congestion, while the Mega Coaching Complex will strengthen maintenance and terminal capacity. Station redevelopment and improved access will enhance passenger convenience, while elevated rail infrastructure will support both connectivity and wildlife movement. The Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals will further strengthen freight and multimodal logistics infrastructure in the region.