Guwahati, 4 January (HS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved significant infrastructure and operational milestones at the New Bongaigaon (NBQ) Workshop during December 2025, reinforcing its commitment to modernisation, efficiency and excellence in rolling stock maintenance in line with Indian Railways’ reform and upgradation initiatives.

Adding to this achievement, the C&W Workshop, New Bongaigaon, was conferred the Ministry of Railways’ Rajbhasha Shield along with a cash award of ₹14,000 by the Railway Board for outstanding implementation of Rajbhasha during 2024, bringing pride to NFR.

During the month, the NBQ Workshop developed an indigenous test bench for assembled DEMU DPC bogies, enabling pre-installation testing of traction motors and early detection of defects. The system incorporates mandatory one-hour run tests, real-time monitoring of vibration and bearing temperatures, and precise backlash measurement using high-accuracy dial gauges, resulting in substantial savings in time and manpower.

The workshop has also successfully initiated Mid-Life Rehabilitation (MLR) of LHB coaches following the allotment of a Rolling Stock Programme for 25 coaches. Through effective planning and optimal utilisation of available resources, interim arrangements were created by utilising the old Coach Lifting Shop after relocating ICF Periodic Overhauling activities to the new Light Coach Repair Shop. These measures have enabled the smooth commencement of MLR work, while a proposal for a dedicated MLR shed is being progressed to strengthen long-term maintenance infrastructure.

In another major development, NFR has relocated all Periodic Overhauling activities of DEMU rakes from the old Wagon Paint Shop to a newly commissioned DEMU shed at the New Bongaigaon Workshop. Planned under the 2021–22 infrastructure development initiatives, the modern covered facility has enhanced operational efficiency, streamlined workflow and improved safety and productivity.

These milestones highlight Northeast Frontier Railway’s sustained focus on infrastructure development, innovation and operational efficiency, reinforcing safe and reliable railway operations across the region.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash