Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) achieved a total freight loading of 11.4 million tonnes (MT) in 2025–26 (FY26),registering a six per cent growth over 2024–25 (FY25).
Among commodities, Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) recorded its best-ever performance, with 1,488 rakes loaded during the year. Freight handling improved with total unloading of freight rakes increasing from 12,346 rakes in FY25 to 13,034 rakes in FY26.
Cement traffic over NFR recorded a growth of 7.8 per cent in inward movement, increasing from 9.05 million tonnes in 2024–25 to 9.76 million tonnes in 2025–26. Major achievements included the successful unloading of the first ever cement rake at Sairang Railway Station on 14th September, 2025 and the first-ever cement rake at Molvom Railway Station in Nagaland on 24 th September 2025.
Train connectivity
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) introduced 20 pairs of new train services including the introduction of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Howrah and Guwahati.
NFR increased the speeds of 35 trains during FY 26. This resulted in a cumulative saving of 675 minutes in travel time, with an average reduction of approximately 19.29 minutes per train.
Trains such as New Jalpaiguri-Bongaigaon Express, Howrah-Guwahati Saraighat Express, Dibrugarh-Deoghar Express have witnessed substantial time savings, with reductions of time upto 60 minutes, 30 minutes and 90 minutes respectively.
New lines
The commissioning of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line marked a historic development for Mizoram. The commissioning of the Murkongselek–Sille section will further enhance connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh.
Route Electrification
NFR during FY 2025-26, NFR successfully completed electrification over 1342.18 Route Kilometres (RKM) and 1828.42 Track Kilometres (TKM) across its jurisdiction. NFR has cumulatively electrified approximately 4170.19 Route Kilometres (RKM) and 6690.38 Track Kilometres (TKM) till date. Tinsukia (TSK) Division contributing with 663.59 RKM and 855.48 TKM electrifiction. Major sections electrified include key routes such as Mariani-Simaluguri, Simaluguri-Dibrugarh, Duliajan-New Tinsukia and North Lakhimpur-Dhamalgaon.
Rangiya (RNY) Division recorded 348.92 RKM and 535.43 TKM, covering sections such as Rangapara-Harmuty and Harmuty-Naharlagun. Lumding (LMG) Division electrified 124.70 RKM and 197.38 TKM, including the vital Agartala-Sabroom section in Tripura. Katihar (KIR) Division achieved electrification of 108.62 RKM and 130.83 TKM, while Alipurduar (APDJ) Division contributed 96.36 RKM and 109.30 TKM.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, several stations are being redeveloped with modern amenities, such as Haibargaon, Assam and Kamakhyaguri Railway Station in West Bengal.
Mechanical maintenance
During FY 26, NFR commenced maintenance of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at Kamakhya Coaching Depot. Two new Self- Propelled Accident Relief Medical Equipment (SPARME) at New Bongaigaon and New Guwahati have been commissioned.
A test rake has also been commissioned in the Rangiya division to enhance the accuracy of weighment in Electronic In-Motion Weigh Bridge (EIMWB). The first-ever POH (periodic overhaul) of a tower car was successfully completed at New Bongaigaon Workshop in November 2025.
Mid-Life Rehabilitation (MLR) of LHB coaches has commenced at New Bongaigaon Workshop, with the first upgraded coach expected to roll out by April 2026.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
In FY 2025–26, passenger footfall increased to 2.15 lakh, while earnings rose to over Rs. 25 crore. This was a growth of approximately 17.72 per cent in passenger traffic and 14.71 per cent in revenue over the previous year.
Track maintenance
NFR did Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) for testing a total of 53,544 flash butt welds during FY26. NFR recorded its highest-ever 457 CTR (Complete Track Renewal) units during FY26, 33.07 per cent increase yoy (343.08 CTR units)
Rail renewals of 449.42 track kilometres (TKM), Sleeper renewals of 465.02 TKM was also done last fiscal. About 9.57 lakh cubic meters of ballast was supplied and inserted during the year—six per cent higher than the previous year’s 9.01 lakh cubic meters.
Track fittings renewal achieved a cumulative progress of 299.61 km. Meanwhile, 4,312 points were tamped, ensuring smoother train operations. Loop line speeds at 39 stations was upgraded from 15 kmph to 30 kmph, up from previous year’s 21 stations. Deep screening of 258 turnouts was completed enhancing track resilience and longevity.
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing covered an extensive 20,212.61 km. NFR also successfully rectified 23 track layouts during the year and also did erection of safety fencing over 154.53 km.
