Guwahati, 22 August (HS): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has strengthened safety measures across its network as part of Indian Railways’ ongoing modernisation efforts, with all long-distance trains operating under NFR now converted from conventional ICF coaches to modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches.

With the completion of the conversion, 103 long-distance train services are now operating with LHB coaches, including 55 services of NFR and 48 services of other railway zones. The move is aimed at enhancing passenger safety, improving travel comfort and increasing operational efficiency.

NFR CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the modern LHB coaches are equipped with advanced safety systems, including Fire and Smoke Detection System (FSDS), Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS) and aerosol-based fire detection systems.

According to NFR, FSDS has been installed in 1,226 LHB AC coaches, while FDSS has been provided in 155 power cars and 79 pantry cars. In addition, aerosol-based fire detection systems have been installed in 3,436 AC coaches.

These systems continuously monitor critical areas inside coaches and trigger immediate alarms in the event of a fire, enabling timely intervention. NFR said early detection can help prevent panic and injuries, reduce loss of life and property, and minimise disruption to train services.

Fire protection systems are also being installed in all power cars, pantry cars and AC coaches in a phased manner to further strengthen fire safety.

NFR said railway safety remains a continuous process. Along with regular safety drives, periodic safety audits and inspections of railway infrastructure are conducted to identify maintenance issues, procedural gaps and system deficiencies. These assessments help implement corrective measures and ensure safer train operations across the NFR network.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash