Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is evolving as a strategic railway network for India. This was outlined by General Manager NFR, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava while unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the nation’s 77th Republic Day.
Addressing the gathering, he observed that NFR evolving into a strategic rail network that was enabling seamless connectivity, driving economic growth, and fostering inclusive development across the Northeast.
The latest milestone was the introduction of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper express between Kamakhya and Howrah on January 17, 2026, he added.Six new Amrit Bharat Express services were introduced besides two LHB services on January 17 and 18, 2026.
Since April 2025 introduced 17 pairs of new trains, besides providing 87 mail/express trains with additional halts.
Infrastructure
With the commissioning of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line in September 2025, Mizoram was added to the railway map. This project connected Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram to the national railway network for the first time.
NFR has surpassed 96 per cent electrification achieving 4170 route kilometres electrified so far.
Mission 100 per cent safety, zero risk
During the period April- December 2025, NFR has eliminated 21 manned level crossings;completed 17 ROB/RUB works; fitted fire & smoke detection systems in 1500 plus coaches; renewed more than 300 km of rails and sleepers and relaxed/removed 16 permanent speed restrictions, contributing to safer train operations.
Automatic Train Protection System KAVACH has been installed in 81 electric locomotives, electronic interlocking (EI) commissioned at 12 stations and 11 level crossing gates for improved operational safety.
To strengthen rolling stock safety, a total of 30 Hot Box Detectors have been commissioned across the NFR network. These detectors continuously monitor the temperature of axle box bearings of running trains and help in early detection of overheating conditions, commonly known as “hot box” incidents, thereby preventing potential derailments and service disruptions. In addition, 43 more such detectors are currently under procurement.
To improve goods train reliability, three Automatic Train Examination Systems (ATES) have been installed at New Jalpaiguri (NJP). These systems automatically detect wheel defects, axle box defects, missing or damaged wagon doors and other abnormalities. By recording critical data before trains enter examination depots, ATES enables maintenance staff to plan timely repairs and rectifications, reducing inspection time and ensuring smoother and more reliable goods train operations.
Passenger amenities
Installation of 145 ATVMs at 71 stations along with the commissioning of 13 FOBs, 03 high-level platforms, 10 platform extensions and 18 Passenger Platform sheds have been done during during the last nine months.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment works are progressing at 92 stations,
Earnings
NFR’s showed strong growth in freight loading and revenue growth with freight loading reaching 8.250 MT (6.7 per cent increase) and ticket checking earnings growing by over 37 per cent.
The vigilance of NFR staff that helped save more than 160 elephants during 2025 through timely action in coordination with forest authorities.
