NFR taking steps for improving track safety

Works being undertaken to ensure proper and safety upkeep of railway track in NFR. (Photo Courtesy: CPRO NFR)

Guwahati, October 23 (MExN): In view of Indian Railways giving top priority to ensure safe running of trains and proper upkeep of railway track, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has utilised Rs 176.56 crs for safety of tracks from April to September, an official release informed today 

In this regard, the NFR has carried out changing of  rail in 96 Km, sleeper changed in 14.75 Km, sleeper density increased in 65 Km, track fittings renewed in 122 Km, 92 nos turnout track renewal, ballast renewal in 49 Km etc during the period, informed the release issued by NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer  Subhanan Chanda.

For monitoring of health of track and to prevent rail fractures, which is one of the reasons of train derailments, USFD (Ultrasonic Flaw Detection) testing is vigorously carried out in railway tracks, it said. 

During April to September, USFD testing was done in over 9039.37 kms of track against a target of 7000 Kms and testing overdue of welds has also reduced from 14000 welds to 1646 welds in NFR, it added.  

For improving the quality of on-site welding of rails, the release informed,13 seminars were also conducted by NFR during this period and a scheme has been started to award two best welders every month to encourage good workmanship. 

NFR is also using various track mounted machines in all divisions to screen ballast, changing of track sleepers and tamping of tracks etc. to achieve safer and smoother running of trains over its jurisdiction, it added.