Guwahati: In a pioneering initiative, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has partnered with IRCON International Limited to overhaul the maintenance of electrification infrastructure, which includes Overhead Equipment (OHE) and Power Supply Installations (PSI).
The collaboration was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 26.
The MoU was executed by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR, and H.M. Gupta, Chief Managing Director of IRCON, marking a pivotal advancement in the ongoing electrification projects in the Lumding and Tinsukia divisions.
“IRCON has earned a stellar reputation since its founding in 1976, executing complex infrastructure projects in India and across the globe. This collaboration guarantees the effective and top-tier maintenance of OHE and PSI systems, further supporting the swift electrification efforts in the Lumding and Tinsukia divisions,” stated Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, NFR, Maligaon.
Electrification in the Lumding and Tinsukia divisions is progressing rapidly, with most sections already operational.
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The remaining 425 route kilometers are slated for completion by June 2025.
As electrification extends, there is an increasing demand for skilled workforce to manage maintenance and resolve any technical challenges that arise.
To address this need, NFR has partnered with IRCON for a two-year collaboration to ensure seamless operations.
This partnership is anticipated to improve the efficiency of electric traction systems, thereby benefiting regional train services.
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In addition to maintenance, the MoU provides NFR with the chance to tap into IRCON’s cutting-edge technologies and expertise, enhancing the capabilities of both organisations.
“This partnership ushers in a new phase in the management of electrification infrastructure, combining IRCON’s proficiency with NFR’s operational goals,” Sharma added.