Maligaon, December 28 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) reported significant progress in rail modernisation, safety measures and connectivity across the North Eastern region during 2025, according to information released by the railway zone.
As part of its rolling stock modernisation, NFR stated that 13 pairs of trains were upgraded from conventional ICF coaches to Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rakes during the year, aimed at improving passenger safety, ride comfort and operational efficiency.
In the area of electrification, NFR reported that 3,724.57 route kilometres (RKM) had been electrified up to March 2025. During 2024–25, electrification works covering 1,141.38 RKM were completed, while a further 146.44 RKM were electrified in 2025–26 up to October 7, 2025. With this, the total electrified network under NFR has reached 3,871 RKM. Division-wise, electrification stands at 788.55 RKM in Katihar, 713.87 RKM in Alipurduar, 782.72 RKM in Rangiya, 1,104.63 RKM in Lumding and 481.21 RKM in Tinsukia division.
On safety, NFR said it has strengthened level crossing infrastructure through modern signalling and interlocking. A total of 624 interlocked level crossing gates are now operational, along with 582 sliding boom barriers to enhance road user safety. The railway zone also reported the deployment of AI-based intrusion detection systems across key elephant corridors, which it said helped prevent wildlife-related train accidents and contributed to the protection of over 160 elephants during 2025.
NFR’s role in regional connectivity was highlighted during the inauguration and foundation-laying of development projects worth over Rs. 9,000 crore at Aizawl, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Bairabi–Sairang railway line to the nation. The line connects Aizawl to the national railway network and is expected to improve access to services and economic opportunities in Mizoram.
In Assam, Haibargaon Railway Station was inaugurated as part of the nationwide redevelopment of 103 Amrit Stations, aimed at improving passenger amenities and station infrastructure.
Additionally, NFR stated that its Railway Protection Force recovered 174 lost mobile phones during the year using the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, with 146 devices returned to their owners.
According to NFR, these initiatives reflect continued efforts towards modernisation, safety enhancement, passenger convenience and regional development across the North Eastern region.
