GUWAHATI — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the approval to extend the proposed Delhi-Siliguri high-speed bullet train corridor to Guwahati, marking a major milestone for rail connectivity in Northeast India.

The decision brings Guwahati onto India's proposed high-speed rail map, connecting the region directly to the national bullet train network, according to official statements and regional news reports.

Pitch to Railway Ministry and Reduced Travel Time

Chief Minister Sarma credited a proposal he submitted in July to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for securing the extension of the high-speed rail project to Assam.

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw responded positively to the request, approving the expansion of the northern corridor. The completed high-speed rail link is expected to dramatically enhance connectivity, with reports indicating it could cut travel time between Guwahati and Delhi by up to eight hours, bringing the total journey time to under eight hours.

Regional Impact and Political Reaction

Reacting to the announcement, Sarma expressed gratitude to the Central government, stating that what the region "scarcely dared to dream is becoming reality."

Praising Prime Minister Modi's leadership for prioritizing infrastructure development in the Northeast, Sarma highlighted that the bullet train connection will transform economic and transit ties between Assam and the rest of the country.

Sources

This report was prepared by the Vani24 news desk with AI assistance, based on reporting by the publications below.