Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Virtually Inaugurates Modern Passenger Facility at Guwahati Railway Station
In a significant move to modernize railway infrastructure and enhance passenger comfort, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually inaugurated a new passenger facility at Guwahati railway station on Monday. This initiative marks a pivotal step in upgrading travel amenities in the region.
World-Class Amenities for Enhanced Travel Experience
The newly inaugurated facility, strategically located outside the railway station, is designed to provide world-class amenities aimed at refining the passenger journey. Key features include:
- Sleeping Pods: Offering restful environments for weary travelers.
- Modern Air-Conditioned Lounges: Ensuring comfort during wait times.
- Multi-Cuisine Restaurants: Catering to diverse culinary preferences.
These facilities collectively ensure a hygienic, secure, and customer-friendly travel experience, with dedicated amenities for women travelers to promote safety and convenience. The overall goal is to improve station usability by providing safe and convenient rest areas.
Record Rail Funding for Northeast India
During the inauguration, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the government's substantial investment in rail infrastructure for the northeastern states. He highlighted that rail funding for the region has seen a significant increase over the past decade.
"The government has allocated a record Rs 11,486 crore in the Union Budget 2026-27 for the northeastern states," Vaishnaw stated. "Additionally, projects worth approximately Rs 72,468 crore are currently underway in the region, underscoring a sustained push to enhance connectivity and infrastructure."
Boosting Economic Growth and Connectivity
Vaishnaw connected these developments to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), asserting that the Northeast's development is integral to this goal. He explained that improved rail connectivity not only facilitates smoother passenger movement but also stimulates economic activity.
By enabling easier transportation of goods, fostering trade, and opening up markets for local products, these infrastructure projects are set to drive regional prosperity and integration with the national economy.
This inauguration reflects a broader commitment to transforming railway stations into hubs of comfort and efficiency, aligning with ongoing efforts to modernize India's rail network and support inclusive growth across all regions.
