The Northeast region is a strategically important area to counter China. These state are connected to India through the very narrow area of
Siliguri Corridor. After China's claims over the
Doklam area of
Bhutan and India, it has become important for India to boost connectivity in this region. The project
PM Gati Shakti aims to boost connectivity across the country and to connect all the capitals of Indian states. Especially this region is considered as Gateway to
Southeast Asia. Thus strategic railway lines is important for this region. The region currently has 6,829 km of rail network, mostly in the state of Assam. The railway will also be used to develop tourism in this region. In 2023, various deluxe trains begans operations connecting major locations such as
Kamakhya Temple in
Guwahati (Assam),
Kaziranga National Park in Assam,
Unakoti in Tripura,
Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, and Dimapur in Nagaland. ==List of Northeast India railway lines==