-Celebrating 100 years of electric traction in India
Guwahati, 26 February (HS): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has made remarkable progress in electrification, leading to significant increase in rail connectivity, reduction in travel time and improvement in freight transportation under its jurisdiction. A major milestone in this journey of development was achieved on April 11, 2017, when train number 15708/15707 (Katihar-Amritsar Express) became the first passenger train to run on electricity in Katihar-Barauni section. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that electrification of the railway network in the Northeast will be completed by March 2025. This initiative is expected to boost connectivity in the region, increase operational efficiency and support robust transportation. Despite challenging geographical and logistic conditions, NFR has successfully overcome these hurdles, leading to substantial improvement in connectivity, travel efficiency and freight transport. As of January 2025, NFR has electrified 2,828 Route Kilometers (RKM). Electrification of Rajdhani route is targeted to be completed by March 2025. Full electrification in NFR is targeted to be completed by the end of calendar year 2025.
NFR CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said in a statement today that electrification of major routes like Katihar-Guwahati, Guwahati-Lumding, Lumding-Farkating, Agartala-Sabroom and Agartala-Jiribam has played a vital role in strengthening regional connectivity and accelerating economic development. NFR C. The electrification journey of Indian Railways has recorded significant milestones, starting from April 2017 when the first freight and passenger trains were introduced on electric traction in Katihar Division. The first Rajdhani Express ran from Katihar on 14th April, 2017. Other landmark achievements include the first passenger train on electric traction between New Jalpaiguri and Kolkata on 9th January, 2020, the historic arrival of Brahmaputra Mail at Kamakhya station, Guwahati from New Delhi on 22nd October, 2021 covering a distance of over 2,000 km on fully electric traction and the launch of the first Rajdhani Express between Guwahati and Katihar on 26th February, 2022.
The Prime Minister dedicated the fully electrified Katihar-Lumding route including major stations like New Jalpaiguri, New Cooch Behar, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya and Guwahati, further strengthening the connectivity of the region. Continuing with the electrification work, NFR has set up electric locomotive sheds at Malda, Siliguri and New Guwahati and further expansion work is in progress to facilitate complete shift from diesel to electric locomotives. WAG9 series of electric locomotives are currently in operation for freight transport and loco trip inspection sheds are being developed at key locations. Additionally, access to electric power initiative is in its advanced stages with NFR being allowed to purchase power from multiple sources across India. Several traction substations are also being commissioned in Assam to enhance power supply and reduce the burden on the state grid.
In line with Indian Railways’ commitment towards sustainability, NFR is actively incorporating solar and wind energy in its railway operations. Plans are underway to set up 50 MWp solar power plants across its jurisdiction, which will support the transition to a greener and more energy efficient railway network. With full electrification, NFR will further boost regional development, tourism and economic growth, making rail transport more efficient and environmentally friendly. With a vision to achieve a fully electrified, self-reliant railway network, NFR is poised to play a vital role in India's green and sustainable future.
As India completes 100 years of railway electrification, the shift from steam and diesel to electric locomotives underlines the country's commitment to modernization, efficiency and sustainability. A fully electrified, self-reliant railway network is now within reach, paving the way for a new era of progress in Indian Railways.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
