Guwahati, Jan 31 (IANS) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has made notable strides in railway infrastructure development and safety enhancement during FY 2025–26 so far, reaffirming its commitment to delivering safe, reliable and passenger-friendly rail services across the region, officials said on Saturday.

The NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the focused initiatives were undertaken by the Engineering Department of the zone during this period that resulted in notable improvements in track safety, passenger amenities and overall operational efficiency.

Passenger safety remained a top priority, with the commissioning of nine Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and completion of eight Road Under Bridges (RUBs), exceeding achievements recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year.

Additionally, 21 manned level crossings were eliminated to enhance train operational safety, Sharma said. These interventions have significantly reduced accident-prone locations and strengthened the overall safety framework of the NFR network.

The CPRO said that bridge infrastructure was also strengthened, with 12 bridges rehabilitated through regirdering and 77 bridges equipped with inspection pathways, enhancing safety during maintenance and improving long-term asset reliability.

Track renewal and strengthening works registered substantial progress during the period. Rail renewal covering 337.4 kilometres and sleeper renewal spanning 329 kilometres were completed, surpassing last year’s performance. Ballast renewal works totalling 7.649 lakh cubic metres were executed to enhance track stability and riding comfort.

Moreover, the removal of 16 permanent speed restrictions contributed to improved train mobility and punctuality across the network.

According to the official, passenger amenities and station infrastructure were further augmented through the opening of 13 Foot Over Bridges and three high-level platforms for public use. Platform raising works were completed at seven stations, along with the construction of 18 passenger platform sheds and extension of 10 platforms.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, works at Haibargaon stations were completed, marking a significant advancement towards modern, passenger-centric station facilities. Improvements in turnout renewals and track safety at critical locations were also achieved.

A total of 197 turnout renewals were completed, alongside the insertion of 180 thick web switches and 165 wieldable CMS crossings to enhance safety at points and crossings.

Additionally, 19 defective layouts were corrected, and deep screening was carried out at 207 turnout locations, ensuring improved reliability and performance of track components. Mechanised track maintenance recorded a landmark achievement, with ten PQRS portals accomplishing a record monthly progress of 48.15 kilometres of CTR/TRS (P) works in December 2025, the highest ever for NFR.

Cumulative mechanised progress reached 251 kilometres up to December 2025, reflecting a 100 percent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year and underscoring the Railway’s emphasis on modern maintenance practices.

Efficient asset utilisation also led to improved financial performance, with revenue earnings amounting to Rs 43 crore generated through land utilisation and licensing of shops and sidings, reflecting an increase over the previous year.

Additionally, speed enhancement works on loop lines, raising speeds from 15 kmph to 30 kmph, were completed at 29 stations, contributing to smoother train operations and enhanced efficiency. These achievements collectively demonstrate NFR’s sustained focus on infrastructure augmentation, safety enhancement and passenger convenience.

With continued emphasis on modernisation and capacity building, NFR remains steadfast in its commitment towards strengthening connectivity building a dependable railway network in the region, Sharma stated.

–IANS

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