Guwahati: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), celebrated the 79th Independence Day of the Nation with due pomp and grandeur throughout its jurisdiction on 15th August, 2025. The main programme was held at the NFRSA complex in Maligaon, Guwahati where Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of a large gathering, including members of the railway fraternity.

The ceremony featured an impressive Guard of Honour by RPF contingents, the Territorial Army, Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts & Guides and school children. NFR, Construction Organization also celebrated the day, where Arun KumarChaudhary, General Manager/NFR (Construction) hoisted the National Flag at the GM/NFR (Construction) office. The five divisions of NFR i.e. Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar and Katihar also commemorated the occasion, with their respective Divisional Railway Managers hoisting the National Tricolour at each division.

While addressing the large masses, the General Manager proudly shared NFR’s remarkable achievements during the year, aligning with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat- for 2047’. He lauded the heroic efforts of railway staff in restoring operations after the devastating landslides in Jatinga Lumpur and Dihakho–Mupa sections in June-July 2025. Highlighting NFR’s thrust on safety, Shrivastava informed that Electronic Interlocking has been commissioned at 11 stations, 11 level crossing gates interlocked and 22.29 RKM of Automatic Block Signalling completed. Fire Detection Systems have been installed at 17 more stations and 1,450 LHB coaches, while drone technology was deployed for the first time to monitor landslide restoration in Lumding–Badarpur hill section. He further noted that no elephant casualties occurred this year, owing to alert running staff and AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems.

The General Manager also spoke of major progress in operations, revenue and infrastructure. Four new train services were introduced in 2024-25, till now, along with 461 special train trips offering 5.5 lakh additional berths. Passenger earnings grew by 11.85% and freight earnings by 7.87%, aided by the commissioning of new freight terminals at Nischintapur, Dhamalgaon, Mirza, Bishramganj and Balurghat. NFR completed 1,043 RKM of electrification, commissioned new lines between Bairabi–Sairang and Araria–Galgalia, and witnessed the historic inauguration of Haibargaon station under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme by the PM. On the healthcare front, newly renovated Female Surgical and Orthopaedic Wards, four upgraded cabins, a PG Doctor’s Hostel and Dormitory, and an advanced Lasotronix Laser Diode System were inaugurated at Central Hospital, Maligaon. A new Kidney Dialysis Machine under PPP model was also introduced to provide advanced care for renal patients.

To mark the occasion, the GM inaugurated new passenger and staff facilities and praised the efforts of RPF, which rescued 738 runaway children, 89 victims of trafficking and apprehended 92 illegal immigrants & 78 touts during the year. Members of the NFRWWO also celebrated the day by distributing essentials among admitted patients at Central Hospital, Maligaon. The GM also thanked and appreciated various works that NFRWWO contributed towards welfare activities, education & environmental conservation within the zone. The celebration concluded with a special programme at Eco Park, Amingaon, where the RPF organized tree plantation, cultural events and awareness campaigns for environmental conservation and community engagement, reaffirming its role as both protectors of railway property and guardians of social values.