In order to minimize dependence on fossil fuels Indian Railways is working in mission mode to become the largest “GREEN RAILWAYS” in the world. 85% RKM of electrification works have been completed in entire Indian Railway network. In an endeavour for complete electrification, The Northeast Frontier Railway has completed electrification of over 132 route kilometres in the last three quarters of current financial year. N. F. Railway has achieved electrification of 1108 route kilometres which is 26.28% of total 4216 route kilometres of the network, as part of its target of achieving net zero carbon emission. 445 KM of railway tracks have been electrified in Assam. The zone plans to electrify its entire route kilometres by December, 2023.
In a recent progress, section between Siliguri Jn - New Mal Jn (48 RKM) of Alipurduar Division, Siliguri Jn - Aluabari Road Jn via Bagdogra (74.17 RKM) of Katihar Division and Haibargaon - Mairabari (43.80 RKM) of Lumding Division have been electrified successfully. Nearly 80 pairs of mail/express trains and 03 pairs of passenger have been operated with electric engine either partially or fully over N. F. Railway upto December, 2022. While most of the above trains are running on electric engine end to end; about 18 pairs are running upto Guwahati, 05 pairs are running upto Kamakhya and 03 pairs are running upto Jagiroad on electric engine before switching over to diesel engine. With the recent electrification of the new sections the numbers of mail and passenger trains running on electric engine have increased.
Electrification will significantly improve the mobility of trains on NFR and strengthen the Rail network in north-eastern states. In addition to the reduction in pollution, the financial performance of the Railway will also improve due to the shift from fossil fuel to electricity. This would also facilitate seamless traffic and also increase the average speed of trains resulting in punctuality of train movement.
