ASSAM (Metro Rail News): Assam has achieved 100% electrification of its entire Broad Gauge (BG) railway network, covering around 2,589 route km. The final major stretch to be electrified was the 169-km Lumding–Badarpur Hill section, completing Assam’s transition to an entirely electric BG railway network.
The railway projects in Assam come under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.This milestone was achieved in just 12 years, in a State where much of the railway network was not even Broad Gauge before 2014.
As per Ministry of Railways press release in July 2026,Indian Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification of its Broad Gauge network, placing India ahead of China, Japan and the UK in railway electrification. The progress has reduced diesel consumption by 185 crore litres, while the remaining sections are being electrified to achieve the 100% target.
Lumding–Badarpur Hill section in Assam was one of the most challenging sections to electrify because it passes through the hilly terrain of Assam. In June 2026, when a 132 kV transmission line connecting Haflong Grid Sub-Station to the New Haflong Traction Sub-Station was energised. This helped provide the traction-power infrastructure required for electric train operations on the hill section.
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Electrification helps trains operating across the zone can use electric traction without requiring a traction change within the electrified network. Complete electrification will enhance operational flexibility, improve locomotive utilisation and contribute to more reliable and efficient train services.
Complete electric traction coverage across the network will reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. The 100% electrification milestone supports Southern Railway’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable railway system and forms part of the zone’s modernisation efforts.
Assam is an important railway gateway to the Northeastern region,under Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) .Completing electrification across its entire BG network creates a continuous electric-traction network within the state and strengthens railway operations in the region.
Read more: Indian Railways leads network electrification list ahead of China, Japan & UK