NE railways receives historic boost, Rs. 10,369 crores allocated in budget

Digital Desk: In a historic announcement on February 1, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled a visionary plan for the Northeastern region, signaling a momentous leap in railway infrastructure development. 4, underscoring the government's commitment to transforming transportation The allocation of Rs. 10,369 crores in the interim Budget 2024-25 marks a monumental 388 percent increase compared to the average budget between 2009-1networks in the region.

Addressing the media, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the strategic significance of the budget, which encompasses a capital outlay exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh crores for Indian Railways. The introduction of three transformative railway corridor programs promises to revolutionize logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs while enhancing safety standards for passenger trains.

A substantial portion of the budget is designated for upgrading 40,000 normal railway coaches to Vande Bharat standards, facilitating the modernization and standardization of the rail fleet. Furthermore, a comprehensive redevelopment initiative targeting 60 stations in the Northeast aims to provide world-class amenities and facilities for passengers.

A noteworthy initiative unveiled is the successful implementation of the 'One Station One Product' stall, offering passengers access to locally produced items, bolstering regional businesses, and fostering economic growth.

Minister Vaishnaw expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing projects in the Northeast, commending the dedication of teams operating round-the-clock in challenging terrains to expedite project completion. Despite the rugged Himalayan landscape, project advancements have surpassed expectations, reflecting a commendable pace of development.

The Gross Budget Allocation for Railway infrastructure projects in the Northeast for the fiscal year 2024-25 not only signifies unprecedented growth but also heralds a significant advancement across various segments including new line and doubling projects, track renewal works, traffic facilities, road safety measures, bridge construction, signaling, workshop modernization, and customer amenities.

In total, an investment of Rs. 81,941 crores is earmarked for developing railway infrastructure in the entire Northeastern region, exemplifying a monumental commitment to comprehensive growth and modernization of railways in this vital part of the country.

The transformative initiatives announced by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscore a paradigm shift in Indian Railways, promising enhanced connectivity, safety, and economic prosperity for the Northeastern region, thereby reaffirming the government's unwavering commitment to inclusive development.