Maligaon, April 4 (MExN): The Mechanical Department of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) reported a series of operational and safety-related developments during FY 2025–26, according to an official statement.
The department undertook measures to strengthen maintenance systems, expand train services and increase coach capacity. It stated that upgrades in onboard safety mechanisms and maintenance practices contributed to improved service reliability and operational efficiency.
During the period, maintenance of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was initiated at Kamakhya Coaching Depot. Maintenance work for eight Amrit Bharat Express trains also commenced within the zone.
Two Self-Propelled Accident Relief Medical Equipment (SPARME) units were commissioned at New Bongaigaon and New Guwahati as part of infrastructure augmentation. Additionally, 22 coaches were added across 21 trains to address capacity requirements. A test rake was introduced in Rangiya division to support Electronic In-Motion Weigh Bridge (EIMWB) operations.
In terms of safety measures, 3,416 aerosol-based fire suppression systems were installed in electrical panels of coaches. Fire detection and suppression systems in pantry and power cars were upgraded from manual to automatic systems.
The department also completed the periodic overhaul (POH) of a tower car at New Bongaigaon Workshop in November 2025. Work on Mid-Life Rehabilitation (MLR) of LHB coaches has begun at the same workshop, with rollout of the first upgraded coach expected in April 2026.
Refurbishment of 49 Rajdhani Express coaches was carried out, while seven rakes of the Avadh Assam Express were renovated at Dibrugarh Workshop.
The statement said the initiatives were part of ongoing efforts to improve operational capacity, safety standards and passenger amenities across the NFR zone.
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