GUWAHATI: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) took an important step to improve electric traction by successfully testing electric locomotives on two newly electrified sections. The tests were held between Agartala and Sabroom (112.91 RKM) in the Lumding Division on January 29, and between New Cooch Behar and Bamanhat (49.81 RKM) in the Alipurduar Division on January 30 and 31.
Both trials were done at the highest possible speed, marking an important milestone in the region's move toward faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly railway operations.
NFR is moving forward with full electrification, following Indian Railways' plan for a zero-carbon rail network. By December 2024, NFR has electrified about 2,828 Route Kilometers (RKM), reaching almost 70% of its electrification goal.
Following these successful locomotive trials, electric train operations are expected to begin in these sections within the next few months, improving connectivity and efficiency in the Northeast region.
The electrification initiative is set to greatly reduce carbon emissions, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and lower operational costs, fostering sustainable railway development. By enabling faster train speeds and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, NFR is paving the way for a modern, eco-friendly, and efficient railway network.
Meanwhile, India and Japan are planning to launch the Shinkansen E10 bullet train, also called Alfa-X, by 2029-30. Initially, India was going to use the Shinkansen E5, which has a top speed of 320 km/h, but now it will use the faster E10, which can reach 400 km/h. This is a big leap in train technology.
The E10 will be launched at the same time in both countries. In India, it will be part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, reducing travel time between the two cities to just over two hours.
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