NFR commissions new bridge in Assam, removes speed restriction

Maligaon, May 4 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has commissioned a new major bridge in the Chaparmukh-Senchoa section under its Lumding Division, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure upgradation.

The new bridge (No. 7), commissioned on May 3, has been constructed along with a permanent track diversion and replaces an old structure at the site. It features a combination of prestressed concrete slab and open web girder design, representing a major engineering upgrade.

The old bridge, originally built as a metre gauge structure and later retained with strengthening during the 1994 conversion to broad gauge, had operational limitations and was under a permanent speed restriction (PSR) of 40 kmph.

To address safety and operational concerns, the division undertook reconstruction of the bridge along with a permanent diversion alignment to enable smoother and safer train movement in the section.

The new bridge and diverted track were connected to the existing running line at both ends through a coordinated cut-and-connection operation carried out under a traffic block of around six hours.

The work was completed and the section commissioned for train movement on the same day.

With the commissioning, the earlier speed restriction of 40 kmph has been removed, improving operational efficiency, safety and overall train movement in the section.

The development highlights NFR’s efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure and provide reliable services for both passenger and freight movement in the region.