Maligaon: Sumit Singhal, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northeast Frontier Circle, has cleared the operation of trains on the newly constructed broad gauge (BG) line section between Murkongselek and Sillek (15.70 km). The inspection was conducted on February 12 and 13, 2026.

Following a successful statutory inspection and speed trials, the CRS approved train operations on the section at a maximum permissible speed of 110 kmph, paving the way for enhanced rail connectivity in the region.

The inspected stretch forms part of the ongoing 26.15-km Murkongselek–Pasighat New Rail Line Project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening rail connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. The project extends from Murkongselek in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh and is expected to facilitate increased passenger and freight movement in the near future.

The project includes the development of three new stations — Sille, Labo, and Pasighat — along with the construction of 27 major bridges.

Arunachal Pradesh was first connected to the national broad-gauge railway network on March 29, 2014, with the commissioning of the Harmati–Naharlagun rail line. This marked the first time that Itanagar, the state capital, was brought onto India’s broad-gauge railway map. Passenger train services on the Harmati–Naharlagun route commenced on April 7, 2014, significantly enhancing regional connectivity.

Further strengthening rail access to the state, the Naharlagun–New Delhi AC Express was launched on February 22, 2015, providing Arunachal Pradesh with its first direct rail link to the national capital.

Once completed, the Murkongselek–Pasighat rail project will significantly enhance connectivity between Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and the rest of the country. The new line will improve long-distance connectivity to Pasighat via the Bogibeel Bridge route, reducing travel time and transportation costs for both passengers and freight.

The expanded rail network is expected to ensure smoother movement of essential commodities, improve access to regional hubs, boost small industries and trade, and promote tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. The improved infrastructure is also likely to contribute substantially to the region’s overall economic development. DeshGujarat