Murkongselek–Pasighat line
| Murkongselek–Pasighat railway section | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Status | Under construction |
| Owner | Indian Railways |
| Locale | Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India |
| Termini |
|
| Stations | Murkongselek, Sille, Labo, Pasighat |
| Service | |
| Operator(s) | Northeast Frontier Railway |
| History | |
| Opened | (partially completed; under construction) |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | Broad gauge (1,676 mm) |
The Murkongselek–Pasighat railway section is a broad-gauge new line project under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone of Indian Railways connecting Murkongselek in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The 26.15 km railway line is being constructed to extend rail connectivity from the existing network in Assam into Arunachal Pradesh, improving transportation, fostering economic development in the region, and supporting strategic infrastructure expansion in the northeastern frontier of India.[1]
History
Rail connectivity in the region historically ended at Murkongselek, which is part of the Rangiya–Murkongselek section in Assam. Extension of railway lines into Arunachal Pradesh has been a long-standing priority aimed at integrating remote districts with the national rail grid. The Murkongselek–Pasighat railway project was sanctioned as part of these strategic connectivity initiatives and is being implemented in phases.[1]
The project was sanctioned to strengthen regional transport links, promote tourism and economic activity, and provide a reliable alternative to road travel in a region prone to seasonal disruption due to monsoon and rugged terrain. Construction milestones have been reported incrementally, with significant progress announced in 2025.
Route
The line begins at Murkongselek in Assam's Dhemaji district and proceeds north-east into East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, terminating at Pasighat. It is being constructed in two primary segments:
- Phase I – Murkongselek to Sille (15.60 km): Earthwork and structural foundations approaching completion, including multiple major and minor bridges along the alignment.
- Phase II – Sille to Pasighat (10.55 km): Formation and bridge construction are underway, with ancillary structures such as road overbridges and station yard works in progress.[2][3]
The line will feature intermediate stations at Sille and Labo, besides the terminal at Pasighat.[2]
Construction and Progress
As of April 2025, the project had achieved approximately 45% physical progress, with an estimated cost exceeding ₹1,252 crore.[4]
In February 2026, the Northeast Frontier Railway conducted a trial run of a special train on the completed Murkongselek–Sille stretch, marking a significant milestone toward commissioning the first phase.[5]
The Sille railway station, classified as a B-category station, was reported to be operationally ready following the trial. At that time, the remaining approximately 11 km stretch between Sille and Pasighat was still under construction. NFR officials stated that the overall project had reached around 60% physical progress.[5]
Track linking, ballast laying, bridge works, and station infrastructure development toward Pasighat are ongoing.
Strategic Importance
The project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to enhance infrastructure in northeastern India. Improved rail connectivity is expected to support regional economic development, tourism, and logistical mobility in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in areas close to the international border.[6]
Stations
- Murkongselek – existing station on the Rangiya–Murkongselek section in Assam.
- Sille – under construction intermediate station.
- Labo – under construction intermediate station.
- Pasighat – terminus in Arunachal Pradesh.[7]
See also
Categories
- Category:Railway lines in India
- Category:Transport in Arunachal Pradesh
- Category:Proposed railway lines in India
- Category:Northeast Frontier Railway
References
- ^ a b Tribune, The Assam (28 April 2025). "Assam-Arunachal rail link: Murkongselek-Pasighat project hits 45% completion". assamtribune.com. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ a b "CRS to Inspect Murkongselek-Sille Railway Section in February". 11 February 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Strengthening Assam-Arunachal rail connectivity". www.echoofarunachal.in. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Assam–Arunachal rail link Murkongselek–Pasighat project hits 45% completion". The Assam Tribune. April 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ a b "NFR conducts trial run of train on Murkongselek–Sille stretch". The Arunachal Times. 14 February 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Factsheet Details:". www.pib.gov.in. Archived from the original on 11 November 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Pasighat Railway Station Forum/Discussion - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 14 February 2026.