Guwahati, Dec 31 (NationPress) In a move to significantly improve passenger-focused services and operational effectiveness, aimed at bolstering railway connectivity throughout the Northeastern region, Bihar, and West Bengal, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has unveiled a revised timetable, set to commence on the first day of the New Year, officials announced on Wednesday.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that this new timetable, focusing on passenger comfort and operational efficiency, will be implemented from January 1, 2026, featuring numerous enhancements aimed at improving travel experiences across the zone.

The NFR, based in Maligaon in Guwahati, extends its operations across the Northeastern states, in addition to seven districts in West Bengal and five districts in North Bihar.

As per the CPRO, the new schedule will see the incorporation of 20 new train services that were launched in 2025, covering essential routes. This includes mail, express, and passenger trains connecting significant destinations like Guwahati, Sairang, Dibrugarh, Agartala, and North Lakhimpur in the Northeast, as well as Katihar and Jogbani in Bihar, Anand Vihar in Delhi, among other major locations nationwide. These additions are anticipated to provide more travel options, especially on long-distance and previously challenging routes.

Sharma noted that to further enhance convenience for travelers, the frequency of certain existing services has also been increased. For instance, trains between Silchar and Mahishashan, located along the Bangladesh border in Assam, which previously operated only twice a week, will now run six times a week, significantly benefiting daily commuters from the Barak Valley region by offering more flexible and dependable travel choices.

The revised timetable also formally includes special trains that operate during peak travel seasons. A total of 12 pairs of special trains running on vital long-distance routes have been added, ensuring better organization and preparedness to manage seasonal surges during festivals, holidays, and other high-demand periods.

A standout feature of the new timetable is the addition of numerous new stops for current trains. More than 170 new stops have been established at stations across Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, Bihar, and nearby areas. Sharma emphasized that these new stops will bring railway services closer to residents in semi-urban and rural areas, enhancing accessibility and minimizing the necessity for long road trips to major stations.

In a substantial move towards modernization and energy efficiency, the NFR has also initiated extensive adjustments of traction change-over points, allowing many trains to run under complete electric traction. Several key long-distance and premier trains, such as the Rajdhani Express and other mail and express services, are now under continuous electric traction. This initiative is expected to result in smoother operations, decreased reliance on diesel locomotives, reduced carbon emissions, and improved on-time performance.

The NFR CPRO mentioned that the collective impact of these initiatives—including the introduction and regularization of trains, increased frequencies, additional stops, expanded electric traction, and the addition of special services—will lead to enhanced connectivity, shorter travel times, improved operational efficiency, and greater passenger satisfaction.

These initiatives reinforce the Northeast Frontier Railway’s commitment to delivering safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, and passenger-focused rail services while supporting the socio-economic progress of the Northeastern region, Sharma concluded.