Vande Bharat Express between Agartala and Guwahati to launch by 2026, says Union Minister Tokhan Sahu. Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 11,486 crore for railway expansion, boosting connectivity, infrastructure, and economic growth in North East India.
The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express service between Agartala and Guwahati is set to become a reality by 2026, Union Minister of State for Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu announced on Tuesday. The announcement comes after the Union Budget 2026 made specific budgetary provisions for strengthening railway infrastructure in the North Eastern region.
Addressing media persons at the BJP state headquarters, Minister Sahu said the BJP-led central government has significantly increased financial allocations for railway development across the North East since coming to power. He highlighted that the Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, has earmarked Rs 11,486 crore exclusively for the expansion and modernization of railway networks in the region.
According to the Minister, electrification of the railway network in the North East has been completed successfully, paving the way for the introduction of high-speed semi-bullet train services. “With electrification now achieved, the Vande Bharat Express will be introduced between Agartala and Guwahati within 2026,” Sahu said, calling the project a major step toward improving connectivity and reducing travel time between Tripura and Assam.
The Union Minister also underscored the government’s broader development agenda for the region, noting that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has received its highest-ever budget allocation of Rs 6,2812.30 crore. He described the budget as a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Tripura into a modern, infrastructure-driven state.
Highlighting Tripura’s growing strategic and cultural significance, Sahu said the state is being developed as a central hub of the proposed Buddhist corridor, which aims to boost tourism and cultural exchange. He added that substantial funds have been allocated for tribal welfare, including the establishment of 15 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the construction of 700 hostels for Scheduled Tribe students across the region.
On the infrastructure front, the Minister confirmed that the Agartala–Akhaura railway line has been completed, further strengthening cross-border connectivity with Bangladesh. Additionally, a logistics hub is being developed at Sabroom in South Tripura, which is expected to enhance trade, transportation, and employment opportunities.
Sahu also pointed out that sectors such as agarwood cultivation, agriculture, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have received ample financial support in the Union Budget. He said these initiatives would empower rural communities, promote sustainable livelihoods, and boost the local economy.
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Calling the Union Budget 2026 a “blueprint for transformation,” the Minister asserted that the allocations under various sectors would accelerate development and align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence that improved rail connectivity, combined with investments in education, logistics, and tourism, would give Tripura a new developmental momentum.
The proposed Vande Bharat Express is expected to be a game-changer for the North East, enhancing regional integration, boosting economic growth, and bringing the region closer to the national mainstream through world-class rail infrastructure.
