NFR Marks 77th Republic Day with Renewed Commitment To Safety, Innovation and Connectivity

Northeast Frontier Railway observed the 77th Republic Day with solemn pride and national spirit through a well-organised celebration at the NFRSA complex, Maligaon.Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager, NFR unfurled the National Flag in the presence of railway officials, staff members and their families. The programme also featured an impressive march past by contingents of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Civil Defence and Bharat Scouts & Guides, reflecting discipline, unity and service to the nation. Similar Republic Day celebrations were conducted across all five divisions of NFR Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar and Katihar, where the Divisional Railway Managers unfurled the National Flag and addressed the workforce. NFR (Construction) also marked the occasion with flag hoisting by Shri Anjani Kumar, CAO/CON- 1/NFR (Construction) at the Construction Organisation headquarters.

Addressing the gathering, the General Manager highlighted NFR evolving role as a strategic rail network enabling economic growth, seamless connectivity and inclusive development across the Northeast. He underlined major recent milestones, including the flagging off of India first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Kamakhya and Howrah on 17th January along with the introduction of six new Amrit Bharat Express services and two LHB services during 17th and 18th January. He also recalled the historic commissioning of the Bairabi?Sairang Railway line in September 2025. The landmark project connected Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram to the national railway network for the first time, significantly strengthening national integration and driving regional transformation.

The General Manager reaffirmed that safety remains the defining priority of NFR, guided by the mission of One Hundred Percent Safety, Zero Risk.During the current financial year, KAVACH has been installed in 81 electric locomotives, Electronic Interlocking commissioned at 12 stations and 11 level crossing gates interlocked for enhanced operational safety. Further strengthening infrastructure resilience, NFR has eliminated 21 manned level crossings, completed 17 ROB/RUB works, fitted fire & smoke detection systems in 1500 + coaches, undertaken more than 300 km rail and sleeper renewal, and relaxed/removed 16 permanent speed restrictions, contributing to safer and smoother train operations. NFR also recorded significant progress in passenger convenience and service delivery. Since April 2025, 17 pairs of new trains have been introduced and 87 mail/express trains have been provided additional stoppages to improve accessibility across the region. Passenger amenities were further strengthened with installation of 145 ATVMs at 71 stations along with the commissioning of 13 FOBs, 03 high-level platforms, 10 platform extensions and 18 Passenger Platform sheds during the last nine months. In electrification, NFR has surpassed 96% track electrification, achieving 4170 route kilometres electrified so far. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment works are progressing at 92 stations, reinforcing NFR journey towards world-class station infrastructure.

NFR performance reflected strong momentum in freight and revenue growth with freight loading reaching 8.250 MT (6.7% increase) and ticket checking earnings growing by over 37%. Capacity building remained a key focus with around 22,000 employees trained across NFR institutes. Highlighting NFR commitment to sustainability, the General Manager appreciated the vigilance of staff that helped save more than 160 elephants during 2025 through timely action and coordination with forest authorities. On the occasion, he also presented the Karmveer Puraskar to deserving employees for their exemplary bravery and dedication to duty and noted that continuous upgradation of sports infrastructure and training facilities has enabled NFR sportspersons to excel at national and international levels, bringing consistent laurels to the organisation.

NFR remains firmly committed to delivering safe, modern and efficient rail services, strengthening connectivity in the Northeast, and contributing to the nation?s progress with innovation, integrity and public service spirit.

Enclosures

Few photographs are attached with captions:

Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, GM/N.F. Railway unfurling the National Flag.

Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, GM/N.F. Railway inspecting march-past.

Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, GM/N.F. Railway addressing the gathering.