In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development, the Ministry of Railways has granted approval for the doubling of railway tracks in vital sections, aimed at improving line capacity, streamlining train operations, and reducing congestion. The latest projects sanctioned by the cabinet include the doubling of tracks between Agthori and Kamakhya, as well as Lumding and Furkating.
One notable aspect of this initiative is the approval for the construction of a second rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River. The primary objectives behind these developments are to enhance travel and transportation efficiency, catering to the growing demand for improved connectivity in the region.
The current railway infrastructure includes two bridges over the Brahmaputra River near Kamakhya, with the existing rail-cum-road ‘Saraighat Bridge’ commissioned in 1964. This bridge features a single-line railway track on the lower deck and a two-lane road on the upper deck. Presently, the New Bongaigaon–Rangiya–Agthori–Kamakhya section operates mostly on a single line, with ongoing doubling works set to be completed shortly.
To fully realise the benefits of doubling the New Bongaigaon–Rangiya–Agthori section, it is essential to extend the doubling to the remaining portion, Agthori–Kamakhya. The total estimated cost for the double-line broad-gauge track from Agthori to Kamakhya, inclusive of the second rail-cum-road bridge at Saraighat, is ₹1650.37 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will contribute 41% of the total cost.
The proposed bridge will feature a double-line track on the lower deck, while the upper deck will accommodate a three-lane road with footpaths. The north end approach of the bridge will connect Agthori station with a 2.694 km long track, and the south end will link up with Kamakhya station through a 3.07 km long approach.
Anticipating the growth of industries in the region in the near future, these projects aim to create additional line capacity to accommodate the expected increase in both inbound and outbound traffic towards the Northeast. This strategic infrastructure development aligns with broader efforts to boost economic activities and connectivity in the region.
In conclusion, the approval for the doubling of railway tracks between Agthori and Kamakhya, along with the construction of a second rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River, marks a significant milestone in advancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region. These strategic initiatives not only aim to enhance the efficiency of train operations and reduce congestion but also anticipate the future needs of the growing industrial landscape in the area. With a commitment to improving travel and transportation, these projects reflect a concerted effort by the Ministry of Railways to foster sustainable development and bolster connectivity for the Northeast region.
In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development, the Ministry of Railways has granted approval for the doubling of railway tracks in vital sections, aimed at improving line capacity, streamlining train operations, and reducing congestion. The latest projects sanctioned by the cabinet include the doubling of tracks between Agthori and Kamakhya, as well as Lumding and Furkating.
One notable aspect of this initiative is the approval for the construction of a second rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River. The primary objectives behind these developments are to enhance travel and transportation efficiency, catering to the growing demand for improved connectivity in the region.
The current railway infrastructure includes two bridges over the Brahmaputra River near Kamakhya, with the existing rail-cum-road ‘Saraighat Bridge’ commissioned in 1964. This bridge features a single-line railway track on the lower deck and a two-lane road on the upper deck. Presently, the New Bongaigaon–Rangiya–Agthori–Kamakhya section operates mostly on a single line, with ongoing doubling works set to be completed shortly.
To fully realise the benefits of doubling the New Bongaigaon–Rangiya–Agthori section, it is essential to extend the doubling to the remaining portion, Agthori–Kamakhya. The total estimated cost for the double-line broad-gauge track from Agthori to Kamakhya, inclusive of the second rail-cum-road bridge at Saraighat, is ₹1650.37 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will contribute 41% of the total cost.
The proposed bridge will feature a double-line track on the lower deck, while the upper deck will accommodate a three-lane road with footpaths. The north end approach of the bridge will connect Agthori station with a 2.694 km long track, and the south end will link up with Kamakhya station through a 3.07 km long approach.
Anticipating the growth of industries in the region in the near future, these projects aim to create additional line capacity to accommodate the expected increase in both inbound and outbound traffic towards the Northeast. This strategic infrastructure development aligns with broader efforts to boost economic activities and connectivity in the region.
In conclusion, the approval for the doubling of railway tracks between Agthori and Kamakhya, along with the construction of a second rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra River, marks a significant milestone in advancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region. These strategic initiatives not only aim to enhance the efficiency of train operations and reduce congestion but also anticipate the future needs of the growing industrial landscape in the area. With a commitment to improving travel and transportation, these projects reflect a concerted effort by the Ministry of Railways to foster sustainable development and bolster connectivity for the Northeast region.
