The electrification journey began on April 11, 2017, when the first passenger train—Katihar-Amritsar Express (train no. 15708/15707)—operated on electric traction in the Katihar-Barauni section. According to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the project is expected to reach completion by March 2026, bringing faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly rail services to the Northeast.

As per an official statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), as of January 2025, the NFR has electrified 2,828 route kilometres (RKM). The Rajdhani route is expected to be fully electrified by March 2025, while the entire NFR network is set for completion by year-end.

Several critical railway corridors have already been electrified, significantly enhancing connectivity and regional economic development. These include:

Katihar-Guwahati Guwahati-Lumding Lumding-Furkating Agartala-Sabroom Agartala-Jiribam Among the key achievements of NFR’s electrification drive are:

January 9, 2020: The first passenger train on electric traction operated between New Jalpaiguri and Kolkata. October 22, 2021: The Brahmaputra Mail arrived at Kamakhya station, covering over 2,000 km on electric traction. Katihar-Lumding route: Fully electrified and inaugurated by the Prime Minister, boosting regional rail connectivity. Infrastructure Development and Renewable Energy Integration

Additionally, NFR is focused on enhancing power supply reliability through its open-access electrical power initiative, allowing procurement from multiple sources across India. Several traction substations are being commissioned across Assam, ensuring uninterrupted power distribution while reducing strain on the state’s power grid.

As part of its sustainability drive, NFR is also integrating renewable energy solutions, with plans to install 50 MWp of solar power plants across its network, further reducing the carbon footprint of railway operations.

Market Outlook: Railway Electrification and Future Growth As India marks 100 years of railway electrification, NFR’s achievements underscore a major leap in railway modernisation. The push towards full electrification will not only enhance efficiency and speed but also significantly cut carbon emissions, making railway transport a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.

With the government’s continued investment in railway infrastructure, the electrification of NFR’s network is expected to boost economic development, facilitate seamless trade, and provide faster and more reliable passenger and freight services across the region.