Maligaon, Aug 16: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated by the Northeast Frontier Railway with due pomp and grandeur throughout its jurisdiction on Thursday. The main program was held at the NFRSA complex in Maligaon where Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of N.F. Railway hoisted the National Flag in the presence of a large gathering, including members of the railway family.
The ceremony featured an impressive Guard of Honour by RPF contingents, the Territorial Army, Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and school children. N.F. Railway/Construction Organisation also celebrated the 78th Independence Day. Shri Arun Kr. Chaudhary, General Manager/N.F. Railway (Construction) hoisted the National Flag at the program that was organised at the GM/NFR (Construction) office. Independence Day was also commemorated across all five divisions of NFR, namely Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar, and Katihar where respective Divisional Railway Managers hoisted the National Tri-colour.
In his address, the General Manager proudly shared NFR’s remarkable achievements during January to July this year and ongoing initiatives, aligning with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. He highlighted the zone’s substantial progress in operational efficiency, passenger amenities and environmental sustainability. NFR expanded its connectivity by launching its 3rd Vande Bharat Express between New Jalpaiguri and Patna, introduced 8 pairs of Mail/Express trains, and extending 6 passenger train services. Significant infrastructure developments included completing the New Bongaigaon - Azara section of the New Bongaigaon – Kamakhya double line project and electrifying 710.66 route kilometers. In terms of safety, NFR installed the Electronic Interlocking System at 11 stations, interlocked 12 Level Crossing Gates, eliminated 10 level crossings, and constructed 22 Road Under Bridges and 14 Road Over Bridges. Over 1,000 LHB AC coaches are equipped with Fire and Smoke Detection Systems.
On the environmental front, NFR commissioned 1,417 kWp of Solar Power Plants and transformed a former garbage dump into an Eco-Park in Maligaon. Passenger amenities saw improvements with Integrated Passenger Information Systems at 13 stations, new foot over bridges, raised platforms, and digital payment options at ticket counters. Financially, NFR achieved a 15% increase in passenger earnings and an 8% rise in freight earnings. Operational efficiency was boosted by four new freight terminals and a speed increase upto 110 km/h across 162.3 kilometer sections. The RPF was vigilant, apprehending 203 illegal immigrants, seizing contraband worth Rs. 20 crores, and saving 6 lives.
Later, the GM inaugurated a boxing ring at NFRSA stadium, newly constructed accommodations for employees, an RPF ladies barrack with 25 beds capacity, and Executive cabins at the Central Hospital in Maligaon. Members of the NFRWWO also celebrated the day by distributing essentials amongst the admitted patients at the N.F. Railway Central Hospital, Maligaon, and with children of the Jagriti school by holding various competitions.
General Manager (Construction) in his speech appreciated the progress of the ongoing projects across NFR related to doubling of railway tracks, railway electrification and enhancing connectivity among the NE States during the period. Once the projects get completed, the connectivity scenario of Northeast will get changed.