Maligaon, August 16 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) marked the 79th Independence Day with the main celebration held at the NFRSA complex in Maligaon.
NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava hoisted the National Flag in the presence of a large gathering, including members of the railway fraternity. The event featured a Guard of Honour presented by contingents of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Territorial Army, Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and school children.
Separately, NFR (Construction) Organisation celebrated the occasion with Arun Kumar Chaudhary, General Manager of NFR (Construction), unfurling the National Flag at the GM office. The five divisions of NFR—Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar, and Katihar—also commemorated the day, with their respective Divisional Railway Managers hoisting the Tricolour.
NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava outlined the zone’s achievements during the Independence Day celebrations, aligning with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. He commended railway staff for restoring operations after severe landslides in the Jatinga Lumpur and Dihakho–Mupa sections in June-July 2025. He highlighted safety advancements, including Electronic Interlocking at 11 stations, interlocking of 11 level crossing gates, and 22.29 route kilometres of Automatic Block Signalling. Fire Detection Systems were installed at 17 additional stations and 1,450 LHB coaches.
For the first time, drones monitored landslide restoration in the Lumding–Badarpur hill section. The GM also noted zero elephant casualties this year, crediting vigilant staff and AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems.
He also highlighted the significant progress in operations, revenue, and infrastructure during 2024-25. Four new train services were introduced, along with 461 special trips providing 5.5 lakh additional berths. Passenger earnings rose by 11.85% and freight revenue by 7.87%, supported by new freight terminals at Nischintapur, Dhamalgaon, Mirza, Bishramganj, and Balurghat.
Infrastructure milestones included 1,043 RKM of electrification, new lines between Bairabi–Sairang and Araria–Galgalia, and the inauguration of Haibargaon station under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme.
Healthcare upgrades at Central Hospital, Maligaon, featured renovated Female Surgical and Orthopaedic Wards, four upgraded cabins, a PG Doctor’s Hostel, and a Lasotronix Laser Diode System. A new Kidney Dialysis Machine under PPP was also introduced.
The new passenger and staff facilities were also inaugurated. The GM commended the Railway Protection Force (RPF) for rescuing 738 runaway children and 89 trafficking victims during the year. The force also apprehended 92 illegal immigrants and 78 touts.
Members of the NFR Women's Welfare Organisation (NFRWWO) distributed essential items among patients at Central Hospital, Maligaon, to mark the occasion. This was stated in a press release issued by Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer.
