MALIGAON, MARCH 20 (MExN): The Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (PCEE) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully completed a statutory inspection across 264.35 route kilometers (RKM) and 338.3 track kilometers (TKM) of railway sections.
The inspection, conducted between March 17 and March 19 covered several key areas, including Dhekiajuli Road – North Lakhimpur, Rangapara North – Dekargaon, Balipara – Bhalukpong, and Harmuti – Naharlagun. The inspection highlights NFR's ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, with a successful electric locomotive trial conducted at the maximum permissible sectional speed. This trial confirmed the infrastructure's readiness for enhanced operations.
Key upgrades were made during the inspection, including robust power supply installations at traction substations in Balipara and Gohpur. Additionally, safety measures were strengthened with the installation of height gauges at 130 level crossings to protect overhead equipment (OHE).
The signaling and telecommunication systems were also upgraded, with all stations and switching stations now equipped with TPC communication systems. Maintenance operations were further bolstered with the addition of two OHE cum PSI maintenance depots and a Tower Wagon Shed at Vishwanath Charali.
As of March 20, 2025, NFR has successfully electrified 3360 route kilometers, accounting for over 79% of its total network of 4260 RKMs. The electrification efforts, which support Indian Railways' goal of achieving 100% electrification and net-zero carbon emissions, are spread across multiple regions, with Assam leading at 1806 RKMs, followed by West Bengal (936 RKMs), Bihar (319 RKMs), Tripura (269 RKMs), and Arunachal Pradesh (11 RKMs). In the fiscal year 2023-24, 921 RKM were electrified, and in the current fiscal year 2024-25, 777 RKM have been electrified as of March 20.
