Big hike in funds for NE, says NF Railway GM

GUWAHATI: Anshul Gupta, General Manager of NF Railway on Thursday held an interaction with mediapersons regarding the Budget provisions, stated a press release.

Gupta laid special emphasis on the important pillars of the Budget for making Indian Railways 'Future Ready' through the 'One Station One Product' plan, the 'Kavach' safety system, induction of 400 new generation Vande Bharat trains in India during next three years and development of 100 PM Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals for multimodal logistics in next three years.

The General Manager informed that the Gross Budget Allocation for NF Railway is 11,428.86 crore.

Budget Allotment for the FY 2022-23 for the Northeastern States is 44% more than the previous year's allotment (Rs 6913 Crs) and 370% more than the average of 2009-14 allotment.

During the interaction, Gupta informed that adequate fund has been allotted for capital connectivity to the Northeastern States, faster connectivity by doubling of High Density Network (HDN) sections along with electrification of the entire network for seamless connectivity. As per the Budget announcement, Kavach, the indigenously developed system to aid locomotive pilots in preventing Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) and avoiding train collisions, will be provided on 2000 km (approx) route over Indian Railways. It has been sanctioned on NFR for HDN & HUN route.

The General Manager also informed that Vistadome train services have been introduced recently on the tourist routes Tinsukia-Naharlagun, Guwahati-Badarpur, New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar and Guwahati-Naharlagun. Vistadome coaches have also been attached to the Joy Ride services in DHR section. The Vistadome trains are aesthetically designed to give a better travel experience to tourists.

The NF Railway General Manager announced that that rlectrification of track is completed up to Guwahati. As per policy of the Indian Railways, work for 100% electrification of NFR routes is also going on. This policy of 100% electrification will give a boost to the economy of Northeastern States and it will bring NF Railway at par with other electrified railways. He informed that work for electrification is already complete in 766 RKM in NF Railway and work for electrification is going on in 210 RKM section in NFR, which is likely to be completed by March, 2022. Work in remaining 3216 RKM is planned to be completed by March, 2024. This will impart efficient, pollution free transportation needs of the Northeastern States.

Gupta explained about the Freight Business Development (FBD) Portal, which is a one-stop solution for freight/parcel customers and various other initiatives taken for providing optimized logistic services to freight customers. He informed that 55 terminals have been opened for goods handling during the FY 2021-22 up to January, 2022 and 27 existing terminal upgraded for handling of both outward and inward goods traffic. Presently 125 terminals are functional for handling goods traffic. 29 goods sheds terminals are being operated round the clock for the benefit of loaders and transporters.

Introduction of Kisan rail has helped farmers to send their produce to the far-off markets with ease. Farmers of the region can now send fruits, vegetables and other perishable products to outside markets by using the services of Kisan rail. 50% subsidy is allowed for transportation of all fruits and vegetables through these trains. Refrigerated parcel van to carry pineapple and other fruits and vegetables from the North-East to other parts of India is also available for booking.

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