GUWAHATI, Jan. 3: In a major boost to connectivity in the Northeast, Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday flagged off three trains from the Guwahati Railway Station here in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The trains flagged off include the Guwahati-New Bongaigaon-Guwahati Daily Passenger; Tinsukia-Naharlagun-Tinsukia Tri-weekly Express and Guwahati-North Lakhimpur-Guwahati Bi-weekly Jan Shatabdi Express.
During the flagging off ceremony, the railways minister said the newly-inaugurated services are expected to bolster regional connectivity and improve travel options for passengers across Assam and neighbouring areas.
The Union minister, who was on a day-long tour of Assam, mentioned that, more than five times yearly budgetary allocation has been increased for railway infrastructure development work in the Northeast region for the current year in comparison to the period 2009-14.
A Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Tetelia station yard, constructed by Northeast Frontier Railway, was also dedicated to the nation from Guwahati.
On the other hand, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) and Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd to collaboratively enhance the semiconductor skilling ecosystem in India. The partnership aims to establish skill centres, develop diploma and certification programmes, and conduct workshops in semiconductor ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) technologies.
TSAT will offer technical expertise and internship opportunities, while NIELIT will focus on education, training, and outreach. Both organisations will also jointly pursue research and funding initiatives, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities in the Northeastern region.
Union minister Vaishnaw informed that the new campus of NIELIT will be developed in Jagiroad near Guwahati, which will focus on semiconductor manufacturing and electronics manufacturing.
He emphasised on the government’s commitment to transforming India into a leading hub for semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and Industry 4.0. He further said that now North East could be termed “New Engine”, to lead development and growth of the country.
A new FM Transmitter at Akashvani Kokrajhar, was also inaugurated by the Union minister. The facility will benefit over 30 lakh residents in the region, including those in Dhubri, Bongaigaon and Chirang districts, providing them with access to clearer and high-quality FM broadcasts.