Assam: In a significant move for Assam’s transportation infrastructure, three new trains were flagged off from Guwahati today, marking a major leap toward improved connectivity in the Northeast.
The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The newly inaugurated trains include the Guwahati-New Lakhimpur Janshatabdi Express, the New Bongaigaon–Guwahati Passenger Train, and the Tinsukia–Naharlagun Express. These services are designed to cater to the growing travel demands across Assam and its neighboring regions, enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating smoother travel for passengers.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s transformative vision for the Northeast, emphasizing that the region would serve as a “New Engine” to drive India’s progress. Vaishnaw expressed confidence in the potential of the Northeast, underlining the government’s commitment to better integrating the region into the national development framework.
Vaishnaw also spoke about the intersection of transportation and education, aligning the goals of the New Education Policy (NEP) with the industrial and academic collaboration needed to drive economic growth. He emphasized the importance of increased coordination between industry and academia to boost employability. In a significant announcement, Vaishnaw revealed plans to convert the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) into a university, with aspirations to make Assam a hub for advanced manufacturing, even suggesting the possibility of “Made in Assam” chips being used in German cars.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude to the Central government for its unwavering support in modernizing Assam’s infrastructure. He noted that the addition of these new trains would play a pivotal role in realizing the state’s aspirations for growth, better connectivity, and development across various sectors.
The launch of these new train services is expected to have a profound impact on mobility within Assam and its neighboring states, fostering not only economic growth but also promoting cultural exchange. As the Northeast region continues to undergo rapid development, the introduction of these services is a step forward in bridging regional gaps and empowering local communities.
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