Northeast Frontier Railway celebrated the 76th Independence Day of the Nation in befitting manner. The central programme was held at the NFRSA complex at Maligaon, where Shri Anshul Gupta, General Manager of N.F. Railway hoisted the National Flag. He also inspected an impressive Guard of Honour given by the RPF contingents including the Dog Squad and Bharat Scouts & Guides. The Independence Day was also celebrated in all the five Divisions of N.F. Railway viz. Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar and Katihar, where the Divisional Railway Managers hoisted the National Flag in presence of Divisional railway officials. The General Manager hailed the participation of people in events under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav such as Azadi ki Rail Gadi aur Station, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day & Har Ghar Tiranga.
In his speech the General Manager specially mentioned how N. F. Railway restored the devastated Lumding – Badarpur hill section within a record time of less than two months. He also mentioned about the achievement of N.F. Railway sportsperson Miss Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, who won silver medal in Weightlifting event (55 kg category) at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, 2022. He also mentioned about the achievements of Boxers and Athletes of N.F. Railway who won medals at various National level tournaments.
The General Manager mentioned about introduction of several Mail/Express and passenger trains including the Mitali Express train service between New Jalpaiguri – Dhaka which was introduced from 01st June, 2022. He also stated that total earnings of N. F. Railway during the period from January to July, 2022 was Rs 2260.57 crores which is 43.03% more than the corresponding period of last year. Supply of linens which were stopped due to Covid – 19 was restored in all trains. He further stated that as a part of digital India for digitization of ticket checking, Hand Held Terminals (HHT) has been introduced in 32 trains.
The General Manager further added that, with the development of the Kamakhya station as a world class station, N. F. Railway is planning to construct a ropeway from the Kamakhya station to Kamakhya temple for the benefit of pilgrims and visitors.
For improvement of safety, 10 level crossing gates eliminated and 28 Road Under Bridge and 6 Road Over Bridge constructed in last seven months. 186.62 kms of Through Rail Renewal was also completed during the period. The Periodic Overhauling of LHB coaches have been increased by 74% over last year. General Manager also mentioned about the “Intrusion Detection System” that has been launched to prevent train elephant collision.
Members of the N. F. Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation distributed drinking water and various other essential items amongst the admitted patients at the Central Hospital located at Maligaon.
The General Manager on this Amrit Kaal also launched a Heritage Preservation Drive at Amingaon Old Railway Station with the co-operation of N. F. Railway Bharat Scouts and Guides. Efforts will be made to preserve this station of yesteryears which witnessed the struggles and development of northeast and deserves a coveted place in the annals of history.