From The Economic Times · ET Online · · 1m 50s
Assam eyes high-speed rail like Delhi-Meerut
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says early talks with Asian Development Bank have begun to plan a regional rapid transit system for the state.
In brief
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says early talks with Asian Development Bank have begun to plan a regional rapid transit system for the state. Assam is exploring a Delhi-Meerut-style RRTS to connect key growth areas, but the project is still in early planning stages with no routes or timeline announced yet…
Quick answers
- What is Delhi-Meerut RRTS?
- The Delhi-Meerut corridor is an 82-kilometer high-speed regional rail system operated by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, designed to run at speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour and connect Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut.
- What is the key takeaway from Assam eyes high-speed rail like Delhi-Meerut?
- Assam is exploring a Delhi-Meerut-style RRTS to connect key growth areas, but the project is still in early planning stages with no routes or timeline announced yet.
Assam plans high-speed rail network
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced preliminary talks with the Asian Development Bank to develop a blueprint for a regional rapid transit system connecting Assam's key growth areas.
“An Assam Rapid Transit System, on the lines of Delhi, Meerut? Preliminary talks with ADB are underway to chart a blueprint for sustainable transport connecting key growth areas.”
What is Delhi-Meerut RRTS?
The Delhi-Meerut corridor is an 82-kilometer high-speed regional rail system operated by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, designed to run at speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour and connect Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut.
“RRTS is a dedicated, high-speed, high-capacity rail-based commuter service aimed at connecting regional nodes across the NCR.”
Namo Bharat's broader vision
The Delhi-Meerut corridor is the first phase of the Namo Bharat programme, with other planned corridors including Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat-Karnal to expand regional connectivity across the National Capital Region.
Assam RRTS still in early stages
No specific routes, stations, cities, project costs, or construction timelines have been announced yet. Discussions with the Asian Development Bank are focused on preparing a feasibility study and blueprint for the proposed system.
Guwahati region under consideration
Initial consultations involving the Asian Development Bank and Assam's Chief Secretary have examined the feasibility of an RRTS for Guwahati and its metropolitan region, with long-term planning considering infrastructure like the Ring Road, new bridges, and satellite townships.
Sustainable transport for growth areas
The proposed Assam RRTS aims to provide faster connections between major urban and economic centers while supporting sustainable regional transport and connecting key growth areas across the state.
More details coming as talks progress
Chief Minister Sarma said he will share further details as discussions with the Asian Development Bank advance, but the immediate focus remains on feasibility and planning rather than construction.
“Will keep you updated as discussions progress.”
The essence
Assam is exploring a Delhi-Meerut-style RRTS to connect key growth areas, but the project is still in early planning stages with no routes or timeline announced yet.
