HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 8: The Lumding Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) Laboratory, aimed at enhancing rail safety and improving technical training standards.
The facility was inaugurated by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Samir Lohani, reflecting the division’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies and building workforce competency.
Related Posts:
According to an official statement, the USFD Laboratory will play a key role in detecting internal flaws in rails and welds, thereby improving the safety and reliability of railway operations.
It features standard calibration samples, various types of ultrasonic probes, technical guidelines, operational procedures, and photographic displays of fractured components.
These resources will be used extensively for hands-on training, enabling personnel to gain practical expertise in flaw detection and preventive maintenance practices.
The lab houses an extensive collection of defective sample pieces, including welds, rails, and Switch Expansion Joints identified during past USFD testing.
It is also equipped for PowerPoint presentations and practical demonstrations, creating a comprehensive learning environment for P.Way supervisors and engineers.
As part of the initial training programme, nine Assistant Divisional Engineers and 95 Senior Section Engineers from the P.Way department are undergoing training, which is expected to conclude by the end of August 2025.
The statement said the initiative is part of the Lumding Division’s ongoing efforts under NFR to strengthen track safety and maintenance standards through innovation and advanced training.
