The Ministry of Railways has announced the commissioning of 15.6 Km of the Murkongselek-Pasighat New Rail Line Project, marking a key step in expanding rail connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
According to the ministry, the project spans a total length of 26.15 Km and is designed to serve as a direct rail link between Murkongselek in Assam and Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.
The newly operational section is expected to spur small-scale industries, boost regional trade, and strengthen connectivity to important tourist destinations across Arunachal Pradesh.
According to media reports, the commissioned stretch runs from Murkongselek to Sille, where a new railway station has been developed to support passenger and freight movement.
Sille is located roughly 11 Km from Pasighat in East Siang district, positioning it as an important transport node for the region.
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The Murkongselek-Pasighat rail line was originally sanctioned in 2012 as part of broader efforts to improve rail access to the Northeast and integrate remote border regions with the national network.
The project is being executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway.
The Murkongselek-Sille section underwent speed trials and statutory inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety before being cleared for operations, a mandatory step prior to commissioning any new railway line in India.
The remaining 10.55 Km stretch from Sille to Pasighat is currently under construction.
Once fully operational, the rail link is expected to improve passenger mobility, reduce logistics costs, and ensure faster movement of essential goods into Arunachal Pradesh.
Enhanced rail access is also likely to support tourism growth and create new economic opportunities in the surrounding districts.
The project forms part of the Centre’s ongoing push to expand railway infrastructure across the Northeast, a region where connectivity has historically been constrained by difficult terrain and limited transport corridors.
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