MALIGAON, FEBRUARY 26 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is progressing towards the goal of 100% railway electrification by the end of 2025, marking a significant advancement in regional rail connectivity and operational efficiency.
The electrification process began with the first passenger train, the Katihar-Amritsar Express (train no. 15708/15707), running on electric traction in the Katihar-Barauni section on April 11, 2017. The initiative is expected to be completed by March 2026, according to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This project is anticipated to improve operational efficiency, reduce travel time, and support more sustainable transportation across the Northeast.
According to a press release issued by the CPRO, as of January 2025, NFR has electrified 2,828 route kilometers (RKM). The Rajdhani route is scheduled to be fully electrified by March 2025, with the entire NFR network expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Key routes such as Katihar-Guwahati, Guwahati-Lumding, Lumding-Furkating, Agartala-Sabroom, and Agartala-Jiribam have already been electrified, contributing to enhanced connectivity and supporting regional economic growth. The electrification milestones have been notable, including the introduction of the first freight and passenger trains on electric traction in the Katihar Division in 2017. Other significant achievements include the operation of the first passenger train on electric traction between New Jalpaiguri and Kolkata on January 9, 2020, and the historic arrival of the Brahmaputra Mail at Kamakhya station on October 22, 2021, after covering over 2,000 kilometers on electric traction.
Additionally, the fully electrified Katihar-Lumding route was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, improving regional connectivity. NFR has also established electric locomotive sheds at Malda, Siliguri, and New Guwahati, with plans for further expansion to support the transition from diesel to electric locomotives. The WAG9 series electric locomotives are currently in use for freight operations, and new loco trip inspection sheds are being developed at key locations.
To ensure a reliable power supply, NFR is advancing its open access to electrical power initiative, which will allow the procurement of electricity from multiple sources across India. Several traction substations are also being commissioned across Assam to enhance power distribution and alleviate pressure on the state's power grid.
NFR is also focusing on integrating renewable energy into its operations. Plans are underway to install 50 MWp of solar power plants across its network, further contributing to the sustainability of the electrification project.
As India celebrates 100 years of railway electrification, NFR’s efforts represent a significant step towards modernizing the country’s rail system, enhancing efficiency, and promoting sustainable energy use within Indian Railways, the press release maintained.
