Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) strengthens freight operations through proactive customer-focused initiatives, expanding cargo handling facilities, boosting stone, cement and POL traffic, and generating significant freight revenue to support regional logistics, trade, and industrial growth.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has undertaken a series of proactive and customer-focused initiatives to strengthen its freight operations and enhance its interface with stakeholders, aiming to boost logistics efficiency and freight revenue across the northeastern region and adjoining areas. These measures, implemented during November 2025, reflect NFR’s strategic intent to support regional industrial growth while improving operational flexibility for businesses.
According to NFR officials, the initiatives are designed to expand cargo handling capacity, improve access to railway freight services, and ensure smoother movement of goods across multiple states. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated on Tuesday that the railway zone remains committed to providing seamless, reliable, and business-friendly freight transportation solutions.
One of the key developments during the month was the opening of Rangapani railway station under the Katihar Division in Bihar for handling both outward and inward Indented Parcel Train traffic, along with Parcel Cargo Express Train services. The facility became operational from November 4 and will continue until further instructions. This move is expected to significantly improve parcel and small consignment movement, benefiting traders, logistics operators, and regional businesses dependent on time-sensitive cargo delivery.
In another customer-oriented initiative, Langting station under the Lumding Division in Assam has been opened for handling outward Bamboo traffic with effect from November 21. This step is expected to provide improved market access for bamboo producers and allied industries, supporting the rural economy and strengthening supply chains linked to forest-based products. Bamboo, a key raw material for construction, handicrafts, and emerging green industries, is expected to see increased rail-based movement following this decision.
A major highlight of NFR’s freight performance in November 2025 was the substantial traffic handled under its Business Development Unit (BDU) initiative. The Lumding Division recorded the booking of 2,035 wagons of stone chips from multiple loading points, including Molvom in Nagaland and Panchgram and Bihara in Assam. These consignments were transported to destinations such as Jirania in Tripura, Sairang in Mizoram, and New Tinsukia in Assam.
The movement of stone chips alone generated freight revenue of approximately Rs 8.15 crore during the month, underscoring the growing demand for construction materials across the northeastern region. Officials noted that improved coordination with customers and streamlined booking processes under the BDU initiative played a critical role in achieving these figures.
In addition to stone chips, cement traffic also recorded strong performance. During November 2025, a total of 1,136 wagons of cement were booked under the Lumding Division. These consignments originated from key loading stations such as Tetelia, Lanka, and Salchapra and were transported to important destinations including Khongsang railway station in Manipur, Sairang in Mizoram, and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
The cement movement generated freight revenue of approximately Rs 4.77 crore, further reinforcing the role of railways as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mode of bulk transportation. Officials indicated that growing infrastructure development in the northeastern states continues to drive demand for cement, making efficient rail logistics crucial.
Further strengthening its freight portfolio, NFR also recorded significant movement of POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants) traffic. Under the BDU initiative, 1,086 wagons of POL were booked under the Lumding Division during November 2025. This segment contributed approximately Rs 4.41 crore to freight revenue, reflecting the critical role of railways in ensuring energy security and uninterrupted fuel supply to the region.
Sharma emphasized that NFR’s continued focus on customer-centric measures, infrastructure augmentation, and business development initiatives has helped create a more responsive freight ecosystem. He noted that the railway zone is actively engaging with industries, traders, and logistics partners to identify new traffic streams and optimize existing routes.
The Northeast Frontier Railway operates across all northeastern states, as well as seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar. Given the challenging terrain and strategic importance of the region, NFR plays a vital role in sustaining supply chains, supporting economic development, and enhancing regional connectivity.
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Through sustained efforts, targeted infrastructure development, and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, NFR aims to further strengthen its position as a reliable freight carrier. Officials reiterated that such initiatives are essential not only for revenue growth but also for supporting the broader logistics and supply chain ecosystem of eastern and northeastern India.
