HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 16: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) celebrated the 79th Independence Day across its jurisdiction with programmes highlighting achievements in connectivity, safety and sustainability. According to an official statement, the main event was held at the NFRSA complex in Maligaon, where General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava hoisted the National Flag in the presence of railway officials, staff, and schoolchildren.
The ceremony featured a Guard of Honour by RPF contingents, the Territorial Army, Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and students. The NFR Construction Organisation also observed the day, with its General Manager, Arun Kumar Chaudhary, hoisting the flag at its headquarters. Similar celebrations were held at the five divisions of NFR — Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar and Katihar.
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In his address, Shrivastava outlined NFR’s performance in the past year under the national vision of Viksit Bharat – 247 for 2047*. He commended railway staff for restoring services after landslides in the Jatinga Lumpur and Dihakho–Mupa sections during June and July. Stressing on safety measures, he noted the commissioning of Electronic Interlocking at 11 stations, interlocking of 11 level crossing gates, and completion of 22.29 route kilometres of Automatic Block Signalling.
Fire Detection Systems were installed at 17 stations and 1,450 LHB coaches, while drone technology was deployed for the first time to monitor landslide restoration in the Lumding–Badarpur section. He also said that no elephant casualties had been reported this year, attributing it to alert staff and AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems.
On the operational front, four new train services were introduced in 2024–25 along with 461 special train trips, providing 5.5 lakh additional berths. Passenger earnings rose by 11.85% and freight revenue grew by 7.87%. Freight operations were strengthened by commissioning new terminals at Nischintapur,
Infrastructure expansion included 1,043 route kilometres of electrification, new lines between Bairabi–Sairang and Araria–Galgalia, and the inauguration of Haibargaon station under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme.
In the healthcare sector, facilities were upgraded at Central Hospital, Maligaon, including renovated surgical and orthopaedic wards, upgraded cabins, a new PG Doctor’s Hostel, and advanced medical equipment such as a Lasotronix Laser Diode System and a Kidney Dialysis Machine under PPP mode.
The RPF’s contributions were also highlighted, with 738 runaway children rescued, 89 trafficking victims assisted, and 92 illegal immigrants and 78 touts apprehended. The NFR Women’s Welfare Organisation (NFRWWO) distributed essentials to patients at Central Hospital and was appreciated for its role in welfare, education, and environmental conservation.
The celebrations concluded with a programme at Eco Park, Amingaon, where the RPF organised tree plantation drives, cultural programmes and awareness campaigns on environmental conservation and community engagement.
