Train Connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh: Routes and Stations

Dotted with monasteries and towering snow capped peaks, Arunachal Pradesh or “The Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains,” is one of India’s beautiful and less explored states. Culturally, It is strategically rich since it borders Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, and it is located in the Northeastern region.

Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh by train can be a bit easier compared to other Indian states. But now that the Northeast is more prioritized, Indian Railways has been slowly expanding forged train routes to the area. In this guide, readers will find everything that pertains to visiting Arunachal Pradesh, including current railway stations and the best train routes from and to connecting stations.

1. Can You Access Arunachal Pradesh Directly By Train?

To set the record straight: like most states in India, Arunachal Pradesh does not currently possess an intra-state rail network. Nevertheless, due to the recent infrastructural developments, certain key railway stations bordering the western part of the state have made it accessible. While road travel is commonplace for the final leg of the journey, much of the travel can conveniently be done through train travel.

2. Important Railway Stations Connected To Arunachal Pradesh

Here are the most important railway stations that serve as gateways to different parts of Arunachal Pradesh:

a. Naharlagun Railway Station (Code: NHLN)

• Location: Near Itanagar, the capital of the state (about 15 km away).
• Zone: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
• Significance: It is the most important railway station of Arunachal Pradesh and is the chief access point for inbound tourists arriving to the western portions of the state.
• Trains Available: Direct trains from Delhi, Guwahati and other northeastern hubs.

Current Trains in Use:

• Arunachal AC Superfast Express (22412/22411) – Delhi to Naharlagun (Weekly Service)
• Donyi Polo Express (15617/15618) – Daily Service from Guwahati to Naharlagun
• Shatabdi Express (12087/12088) – Services from Naharlagun to Guwahati six days a week.

b. Tinsukia Junction (bzw. TSK)

• Position: Within Assam, approximately one hundred and forty kilometers from the more eastern towns of Arunachal like Tezu and Roing.
• Importance: A prominent railway junction facilitating movement to the eastern parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Reach: Being connected to a range of other major cities by rail, one can travel to Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Kolkata, Delhi, or even download from guwahati.

c. Dibrugarh Railway Station (DBRG)

• Position: Within Assam, approximately 170-200 kilometers away from central and parts of eastern Arunachal.
• Significance: A city station which are well connected makes it convenient for traveling towards Pasighat, Aalo and Mechuka.
• Rail Connection: Served by many trains from all over the country.

d. Murkongselek Railway Station (MZS)

• Position: Northeast of Jonai, lying at the confluence of the Assam and Arunachal border.
• Function: Helps reach down to the central of Arunachal Pradesh bearing head to places like Pasighat, which is about thirty five kilometers away.
• Present Condition: Operational with local train services. Improving over time on the number of services offered and the area served.

3. Train Connections from Major Cities in India to Arunachal Pradesh.

This is how you can reach Arunachal Pradesh via train from major Indian metropolitan cities:

a. Delhi to Arunachal Pradesh (Naharlagun accessed via train).

Arunachal AC SF Express (22412) is the corresponding train. Delhi → Kanpur → Lucknow → Gorakhpur → Katihar → New Jalpaiguri → Guwahati → Rangiya → Naharlagun

• Duration: 38–40 hours.
• Frequency: Once every week.

This train is most convenient for north Indian travelers since it is direct and requires no transfers.

b. Kolkata to Arunachal Pradesh (Naharlagun accessed via Tinsukia/Dibrugarh).

Take either Kamrup Express to Dibrugarh or Tinsukia. From these locations, take a cab or bus to Arunachal destinations such as Pasighat, Tezu, or Roing.

• Approx travel time: 30–36 hours.
• Recommended: If required, breaking the journey with an overnight stay in Dibrugarh is advised.

c. From Guwahati to Arunachal Pradesh

For Guwahati, it serves as a primary Ajunction for traveling to Arunachal. From there:

• Take Donyi Polo Express or Shatabdi Express towards Naharlagun.
• Or take a train to Murkongselek for central Arunachal.
• Travel time: 8–12 hours depending on destination and train taken.

d. From Mumbai/Chennai/Bangalore

Currently, the southern metros are not directly linked by train to Arunachal Pradesh. The following is the fastest route:

• Step 1: Take a flight or train to Guwahati or Dibrugarh.
• Step 2: Board an express train to Naharlagun, Tinsukia, or Murkongselek.
• Step 3: From there, continue the journey by road to your destination in Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Railway Projects & Future Expansion in Arunachal Pradesh

The Indian government is focusing on developing rail infrastructure in the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. Some important upcoming projects include:

a. Bhalukpong to Tawang Railway Line

• Currently under construction
• Will facilitate direct access to Tawang, one of the most visited tourist spots in Arunachal Pradesh.

b. Pasighat to Tezu Line

• Intended to directly link the central and eastern districts with the railway network.

c. Extension of Murkongselek Line

• Intended to improve access toward Aalo, Along, and other peripheral towns.

These projects are expected to enhance access to the remote areas, making transport more efficient and reducing reliance on roadway travel.

5. Tips for Planning Train Travel to Arunachal Pradesh

Consider the following recommendations to facilitate smoother travel:

a. Always Book Tickets in Advance

Due to limited availability, seats to Naharlagun are snapped up quickly, particularly during festival periods or peak tourist seasons. You can check availability on the IRCTC website or with apps ConfirmTkt and Trainman.

b. Review Seasonal Road Conditions

Train services only take you to border or entry point towns. Always follow local travel alerts, as some areas of Arunachal are prone to becoming inaccessible due to landslides or snowfall during the monsoon or winter months, such as the California.

c. Combine Train and Taxi or Bus

Shared intercept cabs need to be pre-booked from Naharlagun, Tinsukia, or Dibrugarh depending on your destination. State transport buses in Arunachal are well organized, especially the ones from Naharlagun to Ziro, Bomdila, and Tawang.

d. Apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP)

ILP is necessary for Indian nationals traveling to Arunachal Pradesh. Application can be completed online through http://www.arunachalilp.com It is recommended to have a printed copy or a digital copy of the document which needs to be kept handy during travel.

6. Sightseeing Enroute Train Travel

These are some destinations you can visit depending on your place of arrival:

7. What do you think about Train Traveling towards Arunachal Pradesh?

Train Travel towards Arunachal Pradesh is economical, picturesque, and very comfortable. Although the train isn’t as convenient as a private vehicle, it does take care of the most burdensome section of the trip at a minimal price. With better planning, you can save money, cut down long drives from Guwahati, and navigate the state more conveniently.

Your first steps towards the charm of timeless Arunachal will begin with train travel—whether it’s the snowy monasteries of Tawang, the pine valleys of Ziro, or the remote allure of Mechuka.

Zogyy Travel Insight

“To cherish unforgettable moments, take early morning trains through Assam into Arunachal for scenic views. The mist above the Brahmaputra and emerald green paddy fields will stay with you for a lifetime.”