Northeast Frontier Railway Shifts More Train Services to Electric Traction

The Northeast Frontier Railway has made significant strides in sustainability by converting 12 additional train services to electric traction. This transition not only reduces diesel consumption but also enhances passenger experience by minimizing locomotive changes and improving punctuality. With a total of 30 services now operating on electric traction this financial year, the railway aims to cut down on carbon emissions and operational costs. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve railway infrastructure and connectivity in the Northeast, including ongoing projects like the Agartala-Akhaura rail link to strengthen ties with Bangladesh. Discover more about this transformative move in railway operations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 10:10 IST

Transition to Electric Traction

File image of Dekargaon-Silapathar Express (Photo: Railinfo)

Guwahati, Oct 24: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully transitioned an additional 12 train services from diesel to electric traction, marking a pivotal advancement towards more sustainable and energy-efficient railway operations.

This latest shift brings the total number of train services converted to electric traction in the current financial year to 30, reinforcing NFR's commitment to decreasing diesel reliance and fostering eco-friendly transportation.

The newly converted services include Train No 15613/15614 Lachit Express, 15813/15814 Dekargaon-Silapathar Express, 15895/15896 Rangiya-Murkongselek Express, 15927/15928 Rangiya-New Tinsukia Express, 15967/15968 Rangiya-Ledo Express, and 15603/15604 Guwahati-Ledo Intercity Express.

According to estimates, this transition is projected to cut annual diesel usage by around 98.55 lakh liters, resulting in savings of approximately Rs 140 crore each year and a reduction of about 26,411 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

“Passengers will experience fewer locomotive changes from diesel to electric traction, which will help save travel time and enhance punctuality. Additionally, electric locomotives equipped with head-on generation facilities can supply power directly to compatible coaches, minimizing diesel consumption in generator cars attached to LHB rakes and reducing noise and air pollution,” stated Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPEO) of NFR.

This initiative is part of NFR's broader strategy to enhance railway infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Northeast region.

Recently, a senior official from NFR conducted a window-trailing inspection from Badarpur in southern Assam to Agartala, continuing to Nishchintapur and Sabroom in southern Tripura.

The inspection focused on railway segments along the route, with comprehensive reviews and discussions among senior NFR officials regarding ongoing construction projects and the current state of infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and safety measures.

NFR is also expediting the Agartala-Akhaura rail link project to bolster connectivity between Tripura and Bangladesh.