The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IRCON International to handle the maintenance of electrification infrastructure, including Overhead Equipment (OHE) and Power Supply Installation (PSI). The MoU was formalized on Thursday between Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR, and H M Gupta, Chief Managing Director of IRCON. 

The partnership will focus on the maintenance of electrification works as they progress rapidly in the two divisions. This agreement would aim to enhance rail infrastructure in the region, particularly in the Lumding and Tinsukia divisions.

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR, stated that the electrification of the Lumding and Tinsukia Divisions has been progressing swiftly, with a significant portion of the sections already electrified. A total of 425 Route Kilometers (RKM) are expected to be commissioned by June 2025. As the electrification work expands, the need for skilled personnel to maintain and troubleshoot the infrastructure has increased significantly.

Sharma emphasized that the ongoing commissioning of new sections has made the maintenance task more critical, as electric traction plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of train operations. To meet this challenge, NFR has decided to engage IRCON for maintenance and breakdown services over a two-year contract.

Sharma added,“Given the rapid pace of electrification, we require experienced personnel for scheduled maintenance and to address breakdown issues. With IRCON’s expertise, we aim to ensure the continued success of electric traction systems in the region,” 

IRCON, a renowned organization known for its expertise in challenging infrastructure projects both in India and abroad since 1976, will provide NFR with the latest technologies and management techniques in electrification infrastructure. The MoU will not only help with the maintenance of electrification works but also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange between the two organizations.

This collaboration is expected to set a new standard for maintaining electrification systems in Indian Railways, especially in difficult terrains like those found in Northeast India, while also improving the overall efficiency and reliability of train services.

(With ANI Inputs)