Guwahati, 28 December (HS): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) continued to record significant progress in infrastructure modernisation, safety enhancement and regional connectivity across the North Eastern region during 2025. As part of efforts to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency, 13 pairs of trains under NFR were upgraded from conventional ICF coaches to modern LHB rakes, offering enhanced safety standards and smoother travel experience.
Substantial headway was also made in railway electrification. Up to March 2025, a total of 3,724.57 route kilometres (RKM) were electrified across the NFR network. During 2024–25, electrification works covering 1,141.38 RKM were completed, while an additional 146.44 RKM were electrified in 2025–26 up to October 7, 2025. With this, the total electrified network under NFR has reached 3,871 RKM. Division-wise, electrification stands at 788.55 RKM in Katihar, 713.87 RKM in Alipurduar, 782.72 RKM in Rangiya, 1,104.63 RKM in Lumding and 481.21 RKM in Tinsukia, reflecting steady progress towards sustainable and energy-efficient rail operations in the region.
Safety remained a top priority for the zone. NFR strengthened safety at level crossings through modern signalling and interlocked systems, with 624 interlocked level crossing gates operational and 582 sliding boom installations improving road user visibility and protection. In addition, AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems were deployed across key elephant corridors to prevent wildlife accidents. These measures helped protect over 160 elephants in 2025, underscoring NFR’s commitment to environmental conservation alongside passenger safety.
NFR’s role in national and regional development was highlighted during the inauguration and foundation-laying of projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore at Aizawl, Mizoram, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Bairabi–Sairang railway line to the nation. The Prime Minister described the rail link as historic, noting that direct rail connectivity to Aizawl would transform access to education, healthcare and employment while strengthening regional integration under the Act East Policy.
Further boosting passenger amenities, Haibargaon Railway Station became the first station in Assam to be inaugurated under the nationwide redevelopment of 103 Amrit Stations, reflecting the government’s focus on modern, passenger-centric railway infrastructure. Alongside infrastructure achievements, the Railway Protection Force under NFR recovered 174 lost mobile phones through the CEIR portal, successfully returning 146 devices to their owners.
These achievements collectively highlight Northeast Frontier Railway’s sustained commitment to modernisation, safety, passenger satisfaction and the overall development of the North Eastern region.----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
