North Eastern Railway Reports Year of Remarkable Expansion and Performance
In a comprehensive review of the 2025–26 fiscal year, North Eastern Railway (NER) General Manager Uday Borwankar announced substantial progress across multiple operational domains. The railway zone, headquartered in Gorakhpur, demonstrated significant advancements in infrastructure, safety protocols, passenger amenities, and financial performance.
Infrastructure Development and Connectivity Projects
Borwankar emphasized the ongoing development of key new line projects designed to enhance regional connectivity. The Sahjanwa–Dohrighat corridor, spanning 81.17 kilometers, and the extensive Khalilabad–Bahraich line, covering 240 kilometers, are progressing steadily to improve rail access in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Additional projects including Anandnagar–Maharajganj–Ghughli and Paniyahwa–Tamkuhi Road are underway to integrate previously remote areas into the national rail network.
Capacity augmentation efforts resulted in the completion of 79 kilometers of doubling and third-line works. Major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar and Bhatni–Aunrihar corridors are advancing consistently. Notably, NER has achieved complete broad-gauge conversion across its network, with the exception of the heritage Mailani–Nanpara section.
Enhanced Passenger Services and Train Operations
The railway zone introduced premium train services to elevate passenger experience. Vande Bharat Express trains commenced operations on the Gorakhpur–Patliputra and Varanasi–Khajuraho routes, while ten pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains were added to the schedule. During peak travel periods, NER operated 178 special trains to accommodate increased demand during festivals and major fairs.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 58 stations across the zone are undergoing comprehensive redevelopment to modernize facilities and improve passenger comfort.
Safety Achievements and Financial Performance
Safety remained a paramount focus, with NER recording zero consequential accidents throughout the year. This achievement was supported by the construction of 12 Road Over Bridges (ROBs), 43 pedestrian subways, and the implementation of modern signaling systems.
Financially, the zone achieved a record revenue of Rs 221.92 crore from scrap disposal operations. Additionally, solar power capacity reached 8.22 megawatts, with plans for further expansion projected to generate annual savings of approximately Rs 15 crore.
Employee Welfare and Healthcare Upgrades
NER also prioritized employee facilities, with significant upgrades at the Gorakhpur railway hospital. New Intensive Care Unit (ICU) blocks and pharmacy facilities were established to enhance healthcare services for railway staff and their families.
Borwankar's announcement underscores North Eastern Railway's commitment to comprehensive development, balancing infrastructure growth with operational excellence and community welfare.
