NFR’s Lumding Division Enhances Track Safety with New USFD Training Lab

Maligaon,, Aug 08, 2025, PIB

The Lumding Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has recently inaugurated a well-equipped Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) Laboratory, marking a significant step forward in enhancing rail safety and technical training standards. The newly established laboratory was inaugurated by Shri Samir Lohani, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Lumding reflecting the division’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies and improving workforce competency.The Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) Laboratory serves as a vital centre for enhancing the safety and reliability of railway operations by detecting internal flaws in rails and welds. It also includes standard calibration samples, various types of ultrasonic probes, technical guidelines, procedures and illustrative photographs of fractured components. These resources are extensively used for hands-on training, enabling personnel to gain practical knowledge in flaw detection and preventive maintenance practices.This modern USFD lab house an extensive collection of defective sample pieces,including welds, rails and Switch Expansion Joints, which were detected during past USFD testing. Additionally, it includes standard calibration samples, various types of probes, detailed procedures, operational guidelines and photographic displays of fractured rails and welds serving as valuable educational resources.The facility is equipped to conduct PowerPoint presentations and practical demonstrations, offering a comprehensive training environment for P.Way supervisors and engineers. As part of the initial training schedule, 9 Assistant Divisional Engineers and 95 Senior Section Engineers from the P.Way department are undergoing training, which is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025.This initiative underscores Lumding Division’s on-going efforts under NFR to strengthen track safety and maintenance standards through innovation and training.