The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) celebrated the 69th Republic Day on Jan. 26. A press release issued by the public relations officer of the NFR at Maligaon on Friday stated that the programme was conducted at the Maligaon Railway stadium.
The General Manager of the NFR Chahatey Ram unfurled the national flag. He is said to have inspected a march past by RPF contingents, Territorial Army contingents, civil defence; school children and Bharat Scouts and Guides.
An impressive cultural programme depicting the idea of India’s unity in diversity is also said to have taken place during the celebration.
In his speech Ram emphasised on the need to be in harmony with the vision of the prime minister and Railway minister to make the Indian railways a ‘growth engine’ for the nation. He said that the safety of railway passengers was of utmost concern; a paramount duty that should not experience any laxity or compromise as far as safety is concerned.
Also, the general manager called keeping trains and premises clean and hygienic a big challenge for the Indian Railways. “Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat” mission has imbibed cleanliness and environmental conservation consciousness, the updates added.
Also, the general manager informed that water-vending machines have been installed at 10 stations while 24 brands of packaged drinking water have been shortlisted to be sold in railway stations, besides free WiFi services at 14 stations.
In view of the ever-increasing demand of passengers for new train services, seven new passenger-carrying trains including prestigious services such as the Shatabdi Express is said to have been introduced in the current year; 12 conventional rakes were replaced with DEMU rakes.
During the current year, 450 children are said to have been rescued from the clutches of traffickers while contraband worth INR 1.6 crore is said to been recovered by the RPF.
The Republic Day event was celebrated in all the five divisions of the NFR.