Assam Public Works Advocates for High-Speed Rail Link Between Guwahati and Dibrugarh
In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity in Assam, the Assam Public Works (APW), a prominent socio-economic organization, has submitted a compelling memorandum to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Ministers of State V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu. The memorandum strongly advocates for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express train service connecting Guwahati and Dibrugarh, two major cities in the northeastern state.
The current rail journey between Guwahati and Dibrugarh, spanning approximately 550 kilometers, takes considerably longer than what modern high-speed rail travel could provide. While several trains currently operate daily on this route, APW highlights a critical gap: the absence of a convenient, same-day round trip option for business professionals, students, government officials, and those requiring urgent medical attention. This limitation poses significant challenges for individuals needing to travel between these two crucial cities within a single business day.
APW’s proposal focuses on leveraging the success of the recently launched Vande Bharat Express connecting Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri. This six-day-a-week service has demonstrably improved inter-city travel, showcasing the potential of high-speed rail for the region. Building on this success, APW believes that extending the Vande Bharat network to the Guwahati-Dibrugarh route would be transformative.
A Proposed Schedule for Enhanced Efficiency:
The memorandum meticulously outlines a proposed schedule to maximize the efficiency of the Vande Bharat Express on this route. Maintaining an average speed of 90 km/h, the proposed train would complete the journey in approximately 6 to 6.5 hours. APW suggests a departure time of 4:45 AM from Guwahati, ensuring arrival in Dibrugarh by 11:15 AM. The return journey would commence at 3 PM from Dibrugarh, concluding in Guwahati between 9:30 PM and 10:15 PM. This optimized schedule ensures ample time for business engagements and other crucial activities.
Meeting the Vande Bharat Criteria:
Importantly, the Guwahati-Dibrugarh route aligns perfectly with the established criteria for operating a Vande Bharat Express. The distance of less than 800 km and the projected travel time of under 10 hours make this route a prime candidate for this high-speed service. This strategic alignment strengthens APW’s case for immediate consideration by the Ministry of Railways.
Economic and Social Benefits:
APW President Aabhijeet Sharma, in presenting the memorandum, emphasized the immense economic and social benefits associated with introducing this high-speed train service. The organization strongly urges the government to launch this service on at least six days a week. By significantly reducing travel time, the proposed Vande Bharat Express will not only provide unmatched convenience to the people of Assam but also serve as a catalyst for regional economic development, boosting trade, tourism, and overall progress in the northeastern region of India. The enhanced connectivity will unlock numerous opportunities and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the state.
