(Photo Courtesy: NFR)
Maligaon, November 1 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has opened the existing 6.8-km Rangapani-Bagdogra siding line under Katihar Division for regular freight operations, improving the movement of goods and strengthening freight connectivity in the region.
The long-disused line has been brought back into operation with minimal expenditure, making productive use of existing railway infrastructure to meet growing freight transportation requirements.
With the development, trains originating from East Central Railway (ECR) and entering NFR at Forbesganj will no longer require reversal at Siliguri Junction (SGUJ). The elimination of this reversal is expected to result in substantial energy savings, avoid unnecessary detention of rolling stock and reduce the deployment of crew and shunting staff required for reversal operations.
The new operational arrangement will enable NFR to receive at least 10 trains per day from ECR at Forbesganj for onward movement to destinations beyond Barsoi. This is expected to enhance freight handling capacity and operational efficiency while facilitating faster movement of goods and better utilisation of rolling stock.
The additional freight route will provide greater operational flexibility and enable more efficient utilisation of railway resources. For traders, businesses and consumers in the region, the arrangement is expected to facilitate more reliable transportation of goods and strengthen local supply chains.
The initiative will also provide NFR with scope to handle additional freight traffic and generate revenue through better utilisation of existing railway assets.
The conversion was carried out under the guidance of NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, through coordinated efforts by Katihar Division and the concerned departments.
The initiative reflects NFR's continued focus on improving railway operations through teamwork and optimal utilisation of existing infrastructure, the release stated.
