NFR cancels, reschedules trains amid restoration work near New Harangajao

Maligaon, August 21 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced cancellation and rescheduling of several train services amid ongoing restoration work near New Harangajao station following settlement of railway tracks on Line-1 and Line-2.

Train operations over the Lumding-Badarpur Hill Section are being maintained through Line-3 with enhanced safety measures, NFR said.

The following trains have been cancelled: Train No. 15617 Guwahati-Dullabcherra Express, scheduled to commence its journey on August 22. Train No. 15618 Dullabcherra-Guwahati Express, scheduled to commence its journey on August 23.

Train No. 15615 Guwahati-Silchar Express, scheduled to commence its journey on August 22. Train No. 15616 Silchar-Guwahati Express, scheduled to commence its journey on August 23.

Two trains have also been rescheduled. Train No. 15650 Narangi-Agartala Express, scheduled to commence its journey on August 22, will depart Narangi at 1830 hours, while Train No. 15641 Silchar-New Tinsukia Express, also scheduled for August 22, will depart Silchar at 2210 hours.

NFR records freight operations 
Meanwhile, NFR said it has recorded significant progress in passenger services, punctuality, infrastructure and freight operations during 2026.

So far this year, 14 pairs of new train services have been introduced, including Vande Bharat Sleeper, Amrit Bharat and Mail/Express services. A total of 674 special train trips have been operated, 23 per cent higher than the corresponding period last year, including 92 trips serving flood-affected areas.

The first MEMU service between Agartala and Karimganj was also introduced in July.

Passenger amenities have been strengthened with 230 Passenger Reservation System (PRS) locations converted to Next Generation GUI-based PRS, new passenger facilities at New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati, pantry services on 49 trains, Integrated Passenger Information Systems at eight stations and 10 new lifts at four stations.

NFR's Eat Right certification has increased to 25 stations and four campuses. Additional coaches were also attached to regular and special trains to meet increased passenger demand.

Freight operations registered growth with seven new freight terminals, including Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals at Habaipur and Baihata. Freight loading increased by 7 per cent during April-July 2026, with cement and dolomite loading registering growth of 160 per cent and 28.4 per cent, respectively.

The first-ever container train from India reached Nepal in July, marking a milestone in regional freight connectivity.

NFR also completed track-linking work between Jogighopa Railway Station Yard and Jogighopa Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), paving the way for seamless rail connectivity with the logistics park and more efficient freight movement.

The railway said the initiatives reaffirm its commitment to improving passenger services, operational efficiency, connectivity and freight transportation across the Northeast.