Electrification of Railway Network in Northeast to Conclude Within a Year
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Synopsis
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the electrification of railway networks in the northeast is on track to be completed within a year, with significant milestones already achieved and plans for further enhancements underway.
Key Takeaways
- Electrification of the northeast railway network to be completed by March 2026.
- NFR has electrified 2,828 RKM as of January 2025.
- Major routes include Katihar-Guwahati and Agartala-Jiribam.
- Integration of eco-friendly energy sources underway.
- Significant progress noted despite geographical challenges.
Guwahati, Feb 26 (NationPress) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the electrification of the railway network in the northeast is expected to be finalized within a year.
The Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, cited the Railway Minister’s statement, indicating that the completion of the electrification is anticipated by March 2026.
As of January 2025, the NFR has successfully electrified 2,828 Route Kilometers (RKM).
The electrification of the Rajdhani route is projected to be completed next month (March 2025), with the aim for full electrification across NFR to be achieved by the end of the calendar year 2025, as mentioned on Wednesday.
Sharma highlighted that NFR has achieved significant progress in electrification, which is crucial for enhancing rail connectivity, reducing travel time, and improving freight movement.
A significant milestone was reached on April 11, 2017, when the Katihar-Amritsar Express became the first passenger train to operate on electric traction in the Katihar-Barauni section.
Despite facing challenging geographical and logistical conditions, NFR has effectively tackled these challenges, resulting in considerable enhancements in connectivity, travel efficiency, and freight operations.
According to the CPRO, the electrification of key routes such as Katihar-Guwahati, Guwahati-Lumding, Lumding-Furkating, Agartala-Sabroom, and Agartala-Jiribam has been instrumental in boosting regional connectivity and promoting economic growth.
NFR's journey towards electrification commenced in April 2017, marked by the introduction of the first freight and passenger trains on electric traction in the Katihar Division, followed by the inaugural Rajdhani Express from Katihar on April 14, 2017.
Other notable achievements include the first passenger train on electric traction between New Jalpaiguri and Kolkata on January 9, 2020, and the arrival of the Brahmaputra Mail at Kamakhya station in Guwahati from New Delhi on October 22, 2021, covering over 2,000 km on full electric traction.
The launch of the first Rajdhani Express between Guwahati and Katihar on February 26, 2022 also showcased progress.
Sharma noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fully electrified Katihar-Lumding route, which includes major stations such as New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya, and Guwahati, further enhancing regional connectivity.
To maintain electrification, NFR has set up electric locomotive sheds in Malda, Siliguri, and New Guwahati, with plans for further expansions to ensure a complete shift from diesel to electric locomotives.
The WAG9 series of electric locomotives are currently utilized for freight transport, with loco trip inspection sheds being developed at strategic locations.
Moreover, the open access to electrical power initiative is advancing, enabling NFR to source electricity from various providers across India.
Several traction substations throughout Assam are also being established to improve power supply and alleviate pressure on the state’s grid.
In alignment with Indian Railways' sustainability commitments, NFR is actively integrating solar and wind energy into its operations, according to the NFR CPRO.
He emphasized that with complete electrification, NFR will further enhance regional development, tourism, and economic growth, making rail transport more efficient and eco-friendly.
With a vision for a fully electrified and self-sustaining railway network, NFR is poised to play a significant role in India’s green and sustainable future.
As India celebrates 100 years of railway electrification, this shift from steam and diesel to electric locomotives reflects the nation’s commitment to modernization, efficiency, and sustainability.
A fully electrified, self-sustaining railway network is now within sight, ushering in a new era of advancement for Indian Railways.
NFR operates within the northeastern states, as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.
