Railway Minister and Assam CM Talk About Rail Expansion to Reduce Traffic Jams.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan to address transport bottlenecks and strengthen railway infrastructure across the state. The discussion focused on expanding railway connectivity, modernizing facilities, and optimizing operations to position Assam as a future logistics hub in Northeast India.
Vaishnaw assured Assam of continued infrastructure upgrades and cooperation to resolve logistical challenges that have hindered regional growth. Senior Assam officials attended the meeting, which was described as forward-looking. Sarma later shared an update on social media, highlighting the importance of expanding rail connectivity to support economic development in the state.

When the CM meets with the Union Coal Minister in Delhi, Assam advocates for mining expansion.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi, advocating for enhanced coal mining operations and mineral extraction in the state. The meeting focused on securing seamless coal linkages for upcoming thermal power plants and expanding operations at the Margherita coal mines in Upper Assam.
The Centre assured Assam of assessing its mineral and coal requirements, with discussions also covering recent policy reforms, including updates to the Shakti Policy to streamline coal allocation. India has recently surpassed 1 billion tonnes in coal production and dispatch for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone.

The ONGC Assam staff protest is on its ninth day with no resolution yet.

The ONGC Purbanchal Employees’ Association (OPEA) continues its sit-in protest at the ONGC Assam Asset headquarters in Nazira, Sivasagar district, now in its second week. The union remains steadfast on nine key demands, including the resumption of halted recruitment, restoration of overtime allowances, and regularisation of temporary staff.
OPEA General Secretary Sanjeeb Boruah has highlighted ONGC’s increasing reliance on outsourcing, claiming it deprives local youth of employment opportunities. Despite sanctioned posts in 2022, recruitment has remained stalled since 2023, fueling employee frustration.
The protest escalated from black badge demonstrations to a full-fledged sit-in starting May 21. The union has warned of intensifying agitation, including a hunger strike, if their demands remain unmet.
With no formal response from ONGC management, tensions persist, and employees continue their call for immediate action.

The Airport Authority of India has started the process of reviving Kailashahar Airport in Tripura.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has begun efforts to revive Kailashahar Airport in Tripura’s Unakoti district, which has remained non-operational for 32 years. AAI Northeast Regional Executive Director M Raju Krishore, accompanied by MBB Airport (Agartala) Director K C Meena, recently inspected the site following a request from the state government.
The airport, built in 1950, played a strategic role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war but now requires significant upgrades. AAI has proposed acquiring either 75 acres or 205 acres to expand its 1000-meter runway, which is currently inadequate for ATR aircraft operations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had pledged to restore the airport during its election campaign, raising hopes for improved connectivity, economic growth, and tourism in North Tripura and Assam.
The inspection has reignited local interest, with Congress MLA Birajit Sinha among those advocating for its revival. Residents of North Tripura and Assam’s Cachar district eagerly anticipate enhanced regional air travel opportunities.

As the Army restates its stance on the “humanitarian corridor” and sovereignty, Bangladesh’s NSA Khalilur Rahman is in Doha.

“Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman quietly left Dhaka for an official visit to Doha amid controversy over the proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Army reaffirmed its commitment to national sovereignty and border security, emphasizing its role in maintaining stability. Colonel Mohammad Shafiqul Islam stated the Army would not support any decisions endangering national security, including foreign involvement in developing the Lalmonirhat air base. The visit coincides with escalating political concerns, as BNP continues to oppose the humanitarian corridor and calls for Khalilur Rahman’s removal as NSA.”

Tripura: A man from Assam is detained in Sepahijala on suspicion of raping a youngster.

“Tripura police have arrested a 40-year-old labourer from Assam, identified as Bakul Bura, for the alleged abduction and rape of a 14-year-old girl in Sepahijala district. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s family on May 25, authorities apprehended the accused the same night and produced him before Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Court the next day. Police have registered the case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act, with legal proceedings now underway.”

The new train service on the Agartala-Guwahati route has been approved by the centre.

The central government has approved a new rail service connecting Agartala and Guwahati, marking a significant boost to Northeast connectivity. The decision follows sustained efforts by West Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in April to push for enhanced transport infrastructure in Tripura. The new train will improve regional mobility and provide a direct rail link between Tripura and Assam, addressing long-standing passenger demands.”

Assam CM promises improved flight connectivity to Silchar amid Air India’s suspension.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after meeting Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu in New Delhi, confirmed that construction on the much-awaited greenfield airport in Silchar is expected to begin later this year. The meeting focused on strengthening regional aviation infrastructure, including expansion plans for Rupsi Airport and new flight routes connecting Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to more cities. CM Sarma also stressed the importance of making the UDAN scheme more effective for inclusive air travel. The announcement comes amid concerns over Air India suspending operations in Silchar, prompting discussions on ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for the Northeast.”

Nine illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are apprehended by Assam police in Morigaon.

Nine Bangladeshi nationals, previously declared foreign nationals by the Foreigners Tribunal, were apprehended in Assam’s Morigaon district during a covert police operation. The arrests took place across multiple locations, including Morigaon, Mikirbheta, Dharamtul, Jagiroad, Mayong, and Lahorighat police station areas. Two of the detained individuals had challenged the Tribunal’s verdict in the Gauhati High Court, but their appeals were rejected. The arrested individuals are currently undergoing police interrogation.”

Manipur’s tensions increase as demonstrators and security personnel battle.

“Tensions escalated in Imphal as protesters clashed with security forces near Raj Bhavan over the alleged erasure of ‘Manipur’ from a state transport bus. Led by COCOMI, the demonstration began at Khwairamband Bazar and was intercepted near Kangla Gate, where tear gas was deployed. At least five protesters sustained injuries. The controversy stems from a May 20 incident during the Shirui Lily Festival, where security personnel allegedly forced officials to cover ‘Manipur’ on a government bus. COCOMI has demanded resignations and vowed continued agitation, while the Manipur government has launched an inquiry into the matter.”