Maligaon, Feb 6: Shri Anshul Gupta, General Manager, N.F. Railway today hold an interaction with media persons within the jurisdiction of entire NFR. While media persons from Guwahati were present physically, they joined virtually from places like Agartala (Tripura), Silchar (Assam), Katihar (Bihar) and Siliguri (West Bengal). During the interaction, General Manager deliberated on the budget provisions particularly stressing on the important pillars of the budget for making Indian Railways “Future ready”.
General Manager informed that Indian Railways has got the highest ever total Plan Capex of Rs. 2, 15,058 Crores. This is much higher than the last year’s figure of Rs. 1, 61,042 crores. The Gross budget allocation for NFR for 2021-22 is Rs. 8,060 crs which is much higher than last year’s figure of Rs. 6,549 crs. Gross Budgetary Allocation in 2021-22 is 238% more than the average of 2009-14 (Rs 3383 Cr/Yr)
During the interaction GM informed that adequate fund has been allotted for capital connectivity to North Eastern states by March, 2023, faster connectivity on NE Region by doubling of High Density Network (HDN) sections along with Electrification of entire network for seamless connectivity. GPS based Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) in High Density Networks (HDN) and Highly Utilized Networks (HUN) routes of NFR for ensuring safety of train movement was sanctioned in Budget 2020-21 and it has been sanctioned for remaining sections in this year’s Budget.
With the introduction of this system, speed of the trains is monitored by the system and Automatic Braking applied if Loco Pilot crosses the speed limits or passes a signal at danger. Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) and Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) for HDN routes of NFR are also sanctioned in the Budget.
He also informed about introduction of the aesthetically designed Vista Dome LHB coach on tourist routes to give a better travel experience to tourists willing to travel in NE region in consultation with the respective State Govt.
As per policy of the Indian Railways work for 100% electrification of NFR routes are also going on. This policy of 100% Electrification will give boost to the economy of North Eastern states and it will bring N.F. Railway at par with other Electrified Railway.
He informed that work for Electrification is already complete in 451 RKM in NFR and work for electrification is going on in 770 RKM section in NFR which is likely to be completed by August 2021. Work in remaining 2962 RKM is planned to be completed by March, 2024.
This will impart efficient, pollution free transportation needs of N. E. States. He announced the Electrification of track is likely to be completed up to Guwahati by March this year.
General Manager explained about the Freight Business Development (FBD) Portal, which is a one stop solution for freight/Parcel customers and various other initiatives taken for providing optimized logistic services to freight customers.
He informed that out of 75 goods sheds in NE region, 15 are already working 24×7 for the benefit of loaders and transporters. Introduction of Kisan rail has helped farmers to send their produces to the markets of far areas at ease and get benefitted.
Farmers of NE Region can now send Tea, Rubber, Turmeric, Black pepper, Mustard, Soya bean, Betel nut, Mandarin (orange variety), Pineapple, Ginger, Kiwi, Litchi, Passion fruit, Chillies (green), Large Cardamom and other perishable products to outside market by using the services of Kisan rail.
The 50% subsidy is allowed for transportation of all fruits and vegetables through these trains. Refrigerated parcel van to carry Pineapple and other fruits and vegetable from North East to other parts of India is also available for booking.
General Manager informed that due to increase emphasis given on freight movement owing to COVID scenario, 9361 freight carrying rakes were unloaded till January 21 from April 2020. Average speed of Goods carrying trains also increased to 47kmph from 27 kmph due to various measures taken.
