Guwahati, June 5: On World Environment Day 2025, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) marked a bold step in environmental action by signing an MoU with Cotton University to drive collaborative research in conservation and sustainable transport. The event, held at Rang Bhawan, Maligaon, embraced this year’s global theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by NFR general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and Shalini Shrivastava, president of the NFR Women’s Welfare Organisation. Key officials from NFR headquarters were present, while Divisional Railway Managers and other officers across the network joined virtually to reinforce a system-wide commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by M. Kalimuthu (chief mechanical engineer, Environment & Health Management) on behalf of NFR and Dr. Arindam Garg (Registrar, Cotton University), lays the groundwork for joint research on climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, wildlife preservation, and AI-driven green transport solutions. The partnership signals a future-oriented fusion of science and infrastructure for eco-conscious progress.
The programme featured a lecture by Ajay Singh, retired Chief Mechanical Engineer of South Western Railway, who focused on eliminating plastic use in railway cafeterias. A thought-provoking drama titled “Beat Plastic Pollution”, performed by NFR Scouts and Guides, brought to life the damaging journey of a single-use plastic bottle and stressed the need for the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.
In his closing remarks, GM Shrivastava reaffirmed NFR’s commitment to sustainability and announced a slate of new green initiatives installation of plastic collection bins at 50 major stations, introduction of reusable teacups in waiting rooms, wider rollout of refillable water stations and use of biodegradable alternatives in catering services.
A special short film screened during the event showcased these ongoing efforts, and an Environmental Booklet was released, detailing NFR’s strategies for reducing plastic, forming recycling partnerships, and showcasing green success stories.
From grassroots performances to institutional partnerships, NFR’s 2025 Environment Day celebration wasn’t just symbolic—it was a strategic leap toward a cleaner, smarter railway future.
