Guwahati, September 18, 2026: Assam is exploring the possibility of developing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to strengthen public transportation and improve connectivity between key growth areas, with preliminary discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) now underway.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that initial talks with the multilateral development bank are being held to work out a possible blueprint for a sustainable transport system for the state.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister referred to the possibility of an Assam RRTS being developed along the lines of the Delhi–Meerut corridor, while making it clear that discussions are still at a preliminary stage.
The Delhi–Meerut RRTS is India’s first operational regional rapid transit corridor and is implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The 82.15-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor became fully operational in February 2026.
The Assam government is looking at the potential transport system as part of a broader long-term approach to connectivity and urban mobility. A banner released along with the Chief Minister’s post indicates that planning would be undertaken as part of an integrated mobility strategy, with possible alignment to the upcoming Ring Road and other major connectivity corridors.
The banner also states that the proposed project would be planned and implemented in a phased manner. However, no specific route, station list, project cost, construction timeline or final alignment has been announced so far.
The involvement of ADB would be significant if the proposal progresses, given the bank’s previous involvement in India’s RRTS infrastructure. ADB has financed the Delhi–Meerut RRTS through a multi-tranche investment programme aimed at improving sustainable regional transportation in the National Capital Region.
For Assam, the proposed system could potentially form part of a wider strategy to connect major urban and economic centres. The exact cities, corridors and implementation structure, however, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing discussions and subsequent planning studies.
The Chief Minister said further updates would be provided as the discussions progress.
