Guwahati: The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has made substantial strides in its electrification drive, marking a significant milestone in the Indian Railways’ journey towards a sustainable and efficient future.
As of November 2024, the NF Railway has successfully electrified 2,827.74 Route Kilometers (RKM), surpassing 66% of its ambitious target of 4,260.52 RKM. This remarkable achievement underscores the rapid pace of modernization and electrification across the northeastern region.
The electrification initiative has spanned multiple divisions within the NF Railway, with Lumding, Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, and Tinsukia divisions leading the charge. Assam has emerged as the frontrunner in electrification, with over 1,400 RKM of its network now electrified. West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura have also witnessed significant progress in this regard. Furthermore, electrification efforts have commenced in the states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur, signaling a commitment to equitable development across the region.
The 2023-24 fiscal year witnessed exceptional progress, with the completion of electrification on 921.62 RKM. The current fiscal year has already added another 244.6 RKM, and the NF Railway is aiming to electrify an additional 1,573 RKM in the 2024-25 financial year.
Renowned agencies like IRCON, RITES, and NF Railway’s construction wing are driving this ambitious electrification project. Upon completion, this initiative will usher in a new era of environmentally friendly rail operations, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and improved train punctuality and speeds.