The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved notable progress in its automobile freight unloading operations, according to the recent reports.
As of August 2024, NFR’s terminals have successfully unloaded 315 rakes of automobiles, demonstrating a substantial increase over previous years, a press release issued by CPRO-NFR informed.
The freight terminals under NFR’s jurisdiction, including those in the Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, and Lumding divisions, have experienced a marked rise in unloading activities. This uptick reflects the growing preference for rail transport as an eco-friendly, economical, and efficient mode of vehicle transportation.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, NFR unloaded a total of 660 rakes, up from 543 rakes in the 2022-23 financial year. This represents a 22% increase year-on-year. The current fiscal year 2024-25 has already seen significant progress, with 315 rakes unloaded by August 2024, indicating continued growth.
Key terminals contributing to this performance include Agthori, New Guwahati, Salchapra, and Jirania in the Lumding division; Baihata, Changsari, and Mirza in the Rangiya division; Hasimara in the Alipurduar division; and Rangapani in the Katihar division.
The enhanced operational efficiency and infrastructure improvements across these terminals have supported the increased handling of automobile freight. The use of New Modified Goods (NMG) and Bogies Covered Auto Carriers for Maruti and other bulk manufacturers (BCACBM) has been instrumental in accommodating higher volumes of automobile transport.
NFR’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades and operational excellence underscores its role in fostering regional trade and bolstering the economy.
As the financial year progresses, NFR is poised to surpass previous records, reinforcing its leadership in the rail transportation of automobiles, the press release stated.