Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, the general manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), conducted a comprehensive Annual Safety Inspection of the Tinsukia Division, which includes the 152-kilometer Mariani-Simaluguri-New Tinsukia line. This inspection is part of NFR’s ongoing commitment to improve operational safety, infrastructure reliability, and passenger amenities across its network. The inspection began in Mariani at the Crew Lobby and Running Room, where crew booking procedures and rest area compliance with safety regulations were evaluated.
Shrivastava also reviewed the effectiveness of the Large Format Display system, aimed at enhancing operational management and real-time monitoring, and assessed the Automatic Block Signalling System. He officially inaugurated a new solar power plant at the station, highlighting NFR’s commitment to sustainable energy. A detailed examination of the signaling system at Nakachari, including the Relay Room, was conducted along with a review of the Electronic Intrusion Detection System and related safety protocols. The inspection placed particular emphasis on the adherence to safety protocols at non-interlocked Level Crossing Gate No. 102.
As part of efforts to increase sectional speed from 100 km/h to 110 km/h, a rapid trial was performed in the Mariani-Simaluguri section. Other areas inspected included the Powerhouse, ABSS works, the Railway Health Unit, and Level Crossing Gate No. ST-115, as well as Points 31 and 31A at Mariani. Shrivastava interacted with employees regarding community facilities and assessed the railway colony’s conditions. He also inaugurated newly constructed staff quarters and a designed railway playground, contributing to community infrastructure and employee welfare.
Additional inspections covered Minor Bridge No. 524 and communication with track maintainer Gang No. 18-DR, along with a visit to the Traction Sub-Station at Naharkatiya to assure traction power supply reliability. Inspections of the Switch Expansion Joint and Bridge No. 561 were conducted to ensure track safety and structural integrity.
