Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is expected to complete at least six construction projects in 2021, stated an official release. NFR will complete three new lines and three double-line projects. Among the three new railway line projects, two will be International lines connecting India with neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh.

The projects that are targeted for completion in 2021 are –

• 227-km long new broad gauge railway line from New Maynaguri in West Bengal to Jogighopa in Assam. The project is being executed in phases and so far, 171.20 km of tracks have been laid from New Maynaguri to Bilasipara via Golokganj, Gauripur, Alamganj and Bogoribari. The rest of the work involves construction of the line from Bilasipara to Abhayapuri via Chapar and Bechamari, which is targeted for completion by February 2021.
• 18.6-km long new broad gauge International railway line from Jogbani to Biratnagar in Nepal. The first 8 km from Bathnaha to Nepal Customs point has been completed and the rest of the project, i.e. from Nepal Customs point to Biratnagar is targeted for completion by July 2021.
• 12.03-km long new broad gauge International railway line from Agartala to Akhaura in Bangladesh. The 1^st phase of the project, i.e. construction of Nischintapur Yard is nearing completion and the second phase of the project, i.e. a 3.46-km railway line from Nischintapur to Agartala is targeted for completion by September next year. Once these two phases are complete Bangladesh Railway can bring in their metre gauge trains to Nischintapur from where transshipment can be carried out to Indian Railway’s broad-gauge trains, which will connect to Agartala.
• Doubling of 37.87-km long Ambari Falakata – New Maynaguri section is also nearing completion. Only 5.71 km of the project remains to be completed which is targeted for completion by next month.
• Doubling of 102-km long Digaru– Hojai section is also nearing completion and is targeted for completion by May next year. The first 23.51-km section from Digaru to Jagiroad has already been commissioned and the next 27.36-km section between Kampur – Hojai is likely to be completed next month.
• Doubling of 51.65-km long New Maynaguri – Gumanihatsection is also at an advanced stage of completion and is targeted for completion by March next year.

The completion of these projects will increase capacity and improve train operations by removing severe bottlenecks. The two international projects will contribute towards international co-operation in the field of trade, commerce and mutual exchange.