Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) undertakes developmental works in NE to boost tourism

GUWAHATI: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has undertaken much development, and infrastructural works in Assam to boost tourism and improve connectivity. Assam has seen major development works in the Railway sector from 2014-22.

The entire Railway network in Assam has been converted to a broad gauge network in 2014-19 thereby eliminating all metre gauge railway lines in Assam. To enhance connectivity, Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh and Bairabi in Mizoram got connected by broad gauge line to Harmuti and Katakhal in Assam respectively. First-ever train connectivity was established with Meghalaya when Dudhnoi in Assam got connected by broad gauge line to Mendipathar in Meghalaya in 2014. During the period from 2014-to 22, 149 km of new broad gauge lines were commissioned in Assam. Out of this 149 km, 82.84 km as part of the 289-km-long Maynaguri - Jogighopa New Line Project. This project provides an alternative link to the landlocked state of Assam and six other NE states and ensures uninterrupted connectivity. Doubling of broad gauge line between New Bongaigaon-Abhayapuri, Pancharatna-Dudhnoi and Digaru-Lumding were achieved during 2014-22.

As part of the Ministry of Railways policy for 100% electrification, 434 km of electrification works have been completed in Assam. Another 825 km is targeted to be commissioned by 2022-23. Electrification from Kamakhya to Chaparmukh has been completed. Electrification up to Dibrugarh via Lumding is also in progress. As a part of NFR's Go-Green mission, all stations in Assam have been provided with 100% LED lights from 2014-to 22.

During the period 2014-22, NFR has provided several new amenities in stations and trains from Assam. 64-foot overbridges, 220 Divyang toilets, 59 toilets, 25 new platforms, 28 lifts and 17 escalators were constructed at different stations over Assam from 2014-to 22. 12 New station buildings have also been inaugurated at Pancharatna, Goalpara town, Krishna, Dudhnoi, Chaparmukh, Thekeraguri, Dharamtul, Aujuri, Jagiroad, Dhansiri, Chapar, Bechimari stations during 2021-22. High-speed LHB coaches with modern amenities were introduced in 49 trains. Mechanised cleaning of coaches has been introduced in all trains originating from Assam. All trains originating from Assam have been fitted with environment-friendly bio-toilets. Free Wi-Fi was provided at 218 stations in Assam. CCTV monitoring systems were provided at 15 stations during 2014-to 22 for enhanced security of Railway property and passengers, a press release said.

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