NFR targets commissioning of 8 ROBs in Tripura this fiscal

Maligaon, October 17 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager (Construction) Ashish Bansal has directed officials to expedite ongoing railway infrastructure projects in Tripura, including the commissioning of eight road overbridges (ROBs) during the current financial year.Bansal conducted a window trailing inspection from Badarpur to Agartala, Agartala to Nishchintapur and Sabroom on October 14, reviewing ongoing construction activities, existing railway infrastructure and safety arrangements along the sections, an NFR statement said on Saturday.The inspection covered tracks, bridges and associated safety aspects, with detailed reviews and discussions involving senior NFR officials. Bansal assessed the progress of various works and issued instructions emphasising safety, quality, timely completion and proper maintenance of railway assets.During the inspection, he reviewed the status of ROBs in the Kumarghat–Agartala section, which are intended to eliminate level crossings, enhance road safety and improve public convenience.A total of 23 ROBs have been sanctioned under the Second Revised Estimate of the Kumarghat–Agartala project, of which contracts have been awarded for 12, with construction underway.Bansal directed officials to ensure the commissioning of eight ROBs during the current financial year and complete railway portion works for three ROBs.He also instructed officials to expedite the remaining works through close coordination with the state government, particularly on land acquisition and the early resolution of pending issues.Three ROBs are being constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD), while another is being undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Railway officials were asked to maintain close coordination with the two agencies and promptly resolve issues concerning the railway component.For the remaining ROBs for which construction agencies are yet to be appointed, Bansal directed officials to explore innovative and modern construction techniques, including Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), to minimise land requirements and facilitate efficient execution.He also inspected the Agartala–Akhaura cross-border railway project and visited Nishchintapur railway station to review the remaining works. He instructed officials to expedite pending activities to enable passenger train operations to commence at the earliest.The Agartala–Akhaura project is an India–Bangladesh cross-border rail link expected to strengthen regional connectivity and support the Centre's Act East Policy.During the inspection of the Agartala–Sabroom section, Bansal reviewed railway infrastructure, safety arrangements and maintenance activities. He issued instructions to officials to ensure the continued safety, reliability and efficient maintenance of railway assets.He also reviewed the progress of the Moinarband–Agartala doubling survey. The Final Location Survey (FLS) has been completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted to the Railway Board for approval.The proposed doubling is expected to accommodate future traffic growth and enhance railway capacity in the region, subject to approval and implementation.The inspection is part of NFR (Construction)'s efforts to expedite infrastructure projects, strengthen railway safety and improve operational efficiency. The initiatives are expected to enhance passenger convenience, improve connectivity and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Northeast.