Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the approval to extend India’s proposed bullet train connectivity to Guwahati, describing it as a major development for Assam and the entire Northeast. However, he clarified that several technical, logistical and construction-related issues must be addressed before the ambitious project can move forward.
Sarma said the approval marked an important first step towards connecting the Northeast with the national high-speed rail network. The project will require detailed surveys, decisions on technology and the construction of an entirely new railway corridor.
One of the biggest challenges will be developing the railway line through the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck. This narrow stretch connects the Northeast with the rest of India and measures approximately 22 kilometres at certain points, with some sections narrowing to around 16 kilometres.
The Chief Minister said the presence of an existing national highway and railway line through the corridor would make construction particularly challenging. Authorities will have to examine whether the bullet train track can pass underground or be constructed above ground.
He also clarified that bullet trains cannot operate on conventional railway tracks and require a dedicated high-speed railway corridor. Depending on the technology and construction method selected for the Siliguri stretch, the overall project cost could increase substantially, potentially reaching two to three times the estimated investment.
Sarma revealed that the proposal had initially encountered difficulties. However, following discussions with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approval was eventually secured to include Guwahati in the proposed high-speed rail connectivity plan.
The Chief Minister said he would hold further discussions with the Railway Minister during his next visit to New Delhi to understand the proposed route and technical requirements.
He credited the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for supporting the initiative, while stressing that detailed planning, surveys, technology selection and execution arrangements are still pending.
The proposed connectivity is expected to mark a significant step towards improving the Northeast’s integration with India’s modern transportation network.
