Northeast Frontier Railway freight boom drives regional trade growth
Northeast Frontier Railway has seen a surge in freight activity across multiple divisions. Recent figures highlight strong earnings from goods transport, with key stations also expanding their operations to boost trade.
The railway continues to focus on improving infrastructure and customer policies to support regional economic growth. Lumding Division led the way in revenue generation this period. It booked 1,986 wagons of cement, bringing in Rs. 10.96 crore. Another 1,684 wagons of stone chips added Rs. 7.64 crore to its earnings. The division also transported 400 wagons of petroleum products, contributing Rs. 3.41 crore, and 20 wagons of bamboo chips, earning Rs. 0.18 crore.
Elsewhere, Katihar Division handled 126 wagons of maize across three rakes, generating Rs. 0.33 crore. Meanwhile, Alipurduar Division moved 378 wagons of potatoes in nine rakes, earning Rs. 1.61 crore. To further aid trade, Rahamatpur and Pawakhali stations under Katihar Division were opened for both inward and outward goods traffic from 16th April, including shipments bound for Bangladesh.
The railway has also extended a key incentive for bamboo transport. The exemption of the Busy Season Surcharge on covered wagons for all bamboo traffic originating from Northeast Frontier Railway will now remain in place until 30th April 2027. The recent freight figures reflect growing demand for rail transport in the region. With expanded station facilities and extended policy benefits, Northeast Frontier Railway aims to strengthen its role in supporting industrial and agricultural trade. These measures are part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity and economic activity across the northeast.
