For Guwahati commuters and planners, hopes of faster rail access to central Assam remain on hold after the Union Ministry of Railways confirmed that two proposed railway lines are still awaiting key approvals. Despite Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) being ready, construction timelines for the projects have not been finalised.
The proposed lines include the Agthori (Guwahati)–Dekargaon (Tezpur) stretch and the Dekargaon–Silghat line, both aimed at easing pressure on existing routes and strengthening connectivity between Guwahati and central Assam.
Two proposed railway lines linking Guwahati to central Assam remain stalled despite DPRs being completed. The Agthori–Dekargaon and Dekargaon–Silghat projects await clearances from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, with the Railways saying no construction timeline can be committed at this stage.
What Parliament Was Told
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that sanctioning new railway lines involves multi-level consultations and financial scrutiny, making it difficult to announce fixed deadlines.
The projects are yet to receive approvals from agencies such as NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, officials said.
Why It Matters for Guwahati
The 129-km Agthori–Dekargaon line is seen as a critical upgrade for Guwahati, potentially offering a shorter and more efficient rail link to Tezpur and nearby districts. At present, rail movement from Guwahati towards central Assam largely funnels through the limited existing routes.
Residents and businesses in Guwahati say the delay means continued dependence on congested road corridors, especially during peak travel seasons.
Current Rail Scenario in Central Assam
At present, Tezpur district is primarily served by Dekargaon railway station, which handles six pairs of passenger trains, including express and intercity services connecting the region to Guwahati and other parts of Assam.
Railway officials noted that the proposed lines could significantly improve access to riverine areas such as Silghat, but reiterated that approvals will determine the projects’ future.
Station Upgrades Offer Partial Relief
While new lines remain stalled, the Railways highlighted progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a nationwide redevelopment initiative.
Across India, 1,337 stations have been identified for upgrades 50 of them in Assam. The scheme focuses on improved access, better waiting areas, upgraded platforms, foot overbridges, lifts, escalators, passenger information systems, Divyangjan-friendly facilities, parking, and multimodal integration.
For Guwahati, officials say these upgrades may improve passenger experience, but do not replace the need for new rail corridors.
What Happens Next
Railway officials said the proposals will move forward only after financial and policy clearances are secured. No deadline has been indicated for approval, leaving both projects firmly on the drawing board for now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which proposed railway line directly affects Guwahati?
The 129-km Agthori (Guwahati)–Dekargaon (Tezpur) railway line.
Q2. Why hasn’t construction started yet?
The projects are awaiting clearances from agencies, including NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, and no timeline has been fixed.
