Guwahati, Dec 27: For the first time in Indian Railways, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to maintain electrification infrastructure. This includes the upkeep of Overhead Equipment (OHE) and Power Supply Installations (PSI). To achieve this, NFR has partnered with IRCON International Limited through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU was signed on December 26 by NFR general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and IRCON’s chief managing director, H. M. Gupta. IRCON, a renowned organization established in 1976, is well known for executing challenging infrastructure projects in India and abroad, particularly in difficult terrains.
This collaboration will focus on maintaining OHE and PSI systems in the Lumding and Tinsukia divisions. Electrification efforts in these divisions are progressing rapidly, with most sections already electrified. The remaining 425 route kilometres (RKM) are slated for completion by June 2025.
With the swift commissioning of new sections, the need for efficient maintenance of electrification systems has grown significantly. Scheduled maintenance and prompt attention to breakdowns require trained and experienced personnel, as electric traction plays a vital role in train operations.
Given the current stage of electrification work in the NFR, the railway authorities have entrusted IRCON with the responsibility for maintenance and breakdown services in these sections for a two-year contract period. This strategic move underscores NFR’s commitment to systematic and reliable maintenance practices.
The MoU also facilitates knowledge exchange, enabling NFR to leverage IRCON’s expertise and access advanced technologies in managing electrification infrastructure.
The MoU will serve as a platform for NFR to exchange knowledge and access the latest technologies and expertise in managing electrification infrastructure.
