NFR begins first-ever maize loading from Bengal to Uttarakhand
Guwahati, May 30
Northeast Frontier Railway has achieved another milestone in freight transportation with the successful commencement of the first-ever maize loading from Tufanganj station in West Bengal to Rudrapur City station in Uttarakhand, officials said on Saturday.
NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said a total of 1,310.4 tonnes of maize were loaded from Tufanganj station under Alipurduar Division of North Bengal on May 27 for transportation to Rudrapur City station. The movement generated freight revenue amounting to around Rs 30.21 lakh.
Sharma added that in May 2026, Northeast Frontier Railway registered significant maize loading traffic from stations under the Alipurduar Division, strengthening freight movement and contributing substantial revenue.
On May 15, a maize rake was loaded at Tufanganj station for Bathinda on Northern Railway. This was followed by another maize rake from Tufanganj to Khem Karan on May 21. Further, a maize rake was dispatched from Falakata station to Kharagpur on May 26.
The three rake movements collectively earned freight revenue of around Rs 90.19 lakh.
The NFR CPRO said that the successful execution of this new freight movement highlights the growing importance of railways in strengthening agricultural supply chains and enhancing inter-state trade connectivity.
He noted that it also reflects the continuous efforts of Northeast Frontier Railway to promote rail as a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly mode of transportation for agricultural commodities.
Northeast Frontier Railway remains committed to expanding freight operations and facilitating efficient logistics solutions for farmers, traders, and business communities, Sharma stated.
He further said that such initiatives are expected to encourage rail transportation of commodities while contributing to regional economic development and sustainable freight mobility.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some practical development! Instead of just talking about bullet trains, this is where rail transport can actually benefit common people. Maize from North Bengal going all the way to Uttarakhand - shows how our agricultural supply chains can be strengthened if we invest in the right infrastructure. Hope they extend this to other crops too.
Rs 90 lakh revenue from just three rakes is impressive. But I hope this doesn't mean that passenger services are being neglected. NFR's passenger trains, especially in Assam and Northeast, still need significant improvements in punctuality and comfort. Freight is good, but we need balance. Also, why not use this for exporting to Bangladesh via the new routes? 🤔
This is exactly what Indian Railways should be doing - moving bulk agricultural commodities efficiently. Maize from Bengal to Uttarakhand will reduce road congestion and carbon emissions. But will the cost savings reach the farmers or just middlemen? Need transparency in freight pricing to benefit the actual producers. 👍
Good to see railways focusing on agricultural logistics. As someone from North Bengal, I know how much our farmers struggle with transporting produce to distant markets. Tufanganj to Rudrapur is a significant route - hope this opens up more opportunities for other crops like jute and tea too. Ab thoda aur aage badhna hai! 🚀
Nice to see NFR doing something innovative! But what about the condition of Tufanganj station itself? It's a small station and needs better infrastructure for such bulk loading. Also, the environmental impact of moving food over long distances should be considered - maybe we can also promote local processing near production zones. 😊
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