DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 1 (MExN): In order to minimize dependence on fossil fuels, Indian Railways is working in mission mode to become the largest ‘Green Railways’ in the world. In an endeavour for complete electrification, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved electrification of 1788.584RKM (Route Kilometres) which is 41.13% of total 4348RKMof the network, as part of its target of achieving net zero carbon emission. The zone plans to electrify its entireroute kilometres by December, 2023.
In the North-eastern states, a total route of 2975.23 Km are to be electrified. Out of the total electrified routes in North-east, 748.409 KM in Assam and 9.58 KM in Meghalaya have already been electrified, a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) stated. Moreover, 285.869 KM in Bihar and 744.726 KM in West Bengal have already been electrified under the jurisdiction of NFR.
For further speeding up the electrification works, Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON), Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), NFR/Construction and Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) have been executing the electrification works in a phased manner at NFR. Some of the major sections includes New Coochbehar – Golakganj – Dhubri (78 RKM) in Alipurduar Division; Simaluguri – Dibrugarh (97 RKM) in Tinsukia Division; Katakhal – Bhairabi (84 RKM) in Lumding Division; Raninagar – Jalpaiguri – Haldibari (31 RKM) in Katihar Division and Helem – Harmuti – Naharlagun (79 RKM) in Rangiya Division.
Electrification will significantly improve the mobility of trains on NFR and strengthen the Rail network in North-eastern states. In addition to the reduction in pollution, the financial performance of the Railway will also improve due to the shift from fossil fuel to electricity. This would also facilitate seamless traffic and also increase the average speed of trains resulting in punctuality of train movement, the press release maintained.
