Indian Railways has completed electrification of Assam’s entire Broad Gauge (BG) railway network, covering 2,589 route km. The achievement means trains can now operate on electric traction across the state, marking a significant step towards more efficient railway operations in the Northeast. Read on to know more about it.
Assam Railway Network Completes Electrification
According to reports by The Indian Express, the railway network in Assam falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone. The milestone was achieved after the completion of electrification work on the Lumding-Badarpur Hill section, taking the state’s railway electrification to 100%. A significant part of the project was completed in June, when the 132 KV transmission line connecting the Haflong Grid Sub-Station (GSS) with the New Haflong Traction Sub-Station (NHLG TSS) was energised. This helped improve the traction power infrastructure required for electric train operations along the hill section.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three major railway electrification projects in Assam to the nation from Guwahati. These included the 558-km Rangiya-Murkongselek section, 571-km Chaparmukh-Dibrugarh section, and 315-km Badarpur-Silchar and Badarpur-Churaibari sections.
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What Does 100% Electrification Mean For Assam?
With the entire BG network now electrified, trains can operate using electric traction without requiring a change of traction at relevant points. This can help streamline operations, improve the utilisation of electric locomotives and increase the overall capacity of railway sections. The electrification is also expected to provide greater operational flexibility and support more reliable train services. Electric locomotives can facilitate more efficient train movement while helping railways reduce the operating and maintenance costs associated with diesel locomotives. For passengers, the transition could contribute to smoother and more efficient train operations across the state. It also strengthens Assam’s railway connectivity as Indian Railways continues to expand electric traction across its network.
Today, the electrification of Assam’s entire BG network is expected to reduce the railway’s dependence on fossil fuels and support more energy-efficient operations. It also aligns with Indian Railways’ wider efforts to make train travel more sustainable while improving operational efficiency across the network.
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FAQs
How many railway stations are in Assam?
Assam has around 302 to 321 railway stations, depending on the official data source and whether smaller halts are counted.
Which is the biggest railway station in Assam?
Guwahati Railway Station is the biggest and busiest railway station in Assam and the entire Northeast India region.
Does Assam have a railway network?
Yes, Assam has a large and fully electrified railway network spanning over 2,400 route kilometers.
