NFR alters train schedules following track settlement

Maligaon, August 12 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Wednesday announced cancellations, reschedulings, and regulations of several train services following track settlement near New Harangajao station, even as its General Manager inspected major station redevelopment works in the region.

According to NFR officials, restoration work is underway near New Harangajao station on Line-1 and Line-2. Train operations across the Lumding–Badarpur Hill Section are currently being maintained via Line-3 under enhanced safety measures.

Due to the ongoing restoration, the Guwahati–Silchar Express (15615) scheduled for August 13 and the Silchar–Guwahati Express (15616) scheduled for August 14 have been cancelled.

Several other trains departing on August 13 have been rescheduled, including the Narangi–Agartala Express (15650), Agartala–Narangi Express (15649), Guwahati–Sairang Express (15609), Sairang–Guwahati Express (15610), and Rangiya–Silchar Express (15611).

Additionally, the Silchar–Rangiya Express (15612) and Silchar–Thiruvananthapuram Express (15608) will now depart early on August 14. The Agartala–Firozpur Express (14619) departing August 13 has also been rescheduled, while the SMVT Bengaluru–Agartala Express (12503) from August 11 will be regulated en route.

GM reviews station redevelopment projects
Meanwhile, NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava conducted an extensive inspection of New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Katihar railway stations on Tuesday to review ongoing infrastructure projects and passenger amenities.

At NJP, Shrivastava reviewed the redevelopment of the station into a world-class facility, directing officials to ensure timely completion without compromising quality or safety. He inaugurated an Experience Zone at Platform 1/2, a solar-powered parking facility, a new booking counter, an air-conditioned waiting hall at Platform 4, and eight additional rooms at the Kanchanjungha Officers’ Rest House. Renovations at Platform 5 were also completed.

Senior officials, including Principal Chief Engineer Nilmani Brahma and Katihar Divisional Railway Manager Kirendra Narah, accompanied the General Manager.

During the visit, Shrivastava carried out a window-trailing inspection of the newly commissioned Katihar–Kuretha and Katihar–Sonaili double-line sections to review track conditions and infrastructure.

At Katihar station, he inaugurated a 132 kWp solar power plant in the passenger area and unveiled the renovated heritage 790 ‘B’ Class Narrow Gauge locomotive of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which has been preserved and displayed to highlight the region's railway history. 

Shrivastava urged officials to maintain strict timelines, focus on operational excellence, and prioritize passenger convenience across all ongoing station modernization projects.