Makum–Saikhowa rail revival with extension to Roing can open new chapter with Arunachal Pradesh

Renewing a decades-old demand, the Makum–Saikhowa (Sadiya) Ralpath Surakhya Samiti has appealed to the Government of India to extend the existing Makum–Dangari railway section up to Saikhowa and further to Roing in Arunachal Pradesh, seeking restoration of its historic pre-1950 alignment disrupted by the catastrophic 1950 Assam earthquake.

 

The people in Tinsukia and Roing said on April 28 that the extension can open new chapter for Arunachal Pradesh.

 

The resolution was formally adopted during an extended meeting of the committee held at Gorkha Bhavan in Dhola recently, where members underscored the urgency of reviving the rail corridor to boost connectivity in the easternmost belt of Assam and adjoining Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 The committee asserted that the railway line had once served as a crucial transport link before being washed away and rendered defunct following the 1950 disaster.

 

Linking their demand to the Centre’s recent push for strengthening border infrastructure, the members emphasized that re-establishing the railway route would significantly enhance not only civilian mobility but also strategic preparedness in frontier regions.

 

 “Restoration of this historic railway alignment and extension till upper and lower Dibang valley as well is essential for economic growth, faster movement, and national security in the border areas,” Residents said.

 

The proposed extension from Saikhowa to Roing is expected to open new avenues for trade, tourism, and inter-state connectivity, particularly benefiting remote and riverine regions that still face transportation challenges. The committee further urged authorities to undertake feasibility studies and prioritize the project under national infrastructure development plans.

 

Reiterating its long-standing demand, the Samiti called for immediate policy intervention, stating that reviving the rail link would reconnect historically significant routes while aligning with the Centre’s broader vision of inclusive and strategic development in the Northeast.