Meghalaya: Mendipathar Railway Station loads first full freight rake

Guwahati: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) achieved a historic milestone in freight operations with the successful loading of the first-ever full freight rake at Meghalaya's Mendipathar Railway Station on 28 December 2025.

The coal shipment, destined for Jalalgarh, comprised 42 covered wagons and was loaded within 8 hours and 30 minutes, showcasing efficient planning, teamwork, and operational readiness of the railway staff.

This landmark event marks the first full-scale railway freight loading in the state of Meghalaya, putting Mendipathar station firmly on the railway freight map.

Mendipathar, the only railway station in the state, had previously recorded its first freight unloading on 4 February 2025.

Between February and December 2025, a total of 29 mini rakes and six full rakes, equivalent to 20.5 full rakes, were unloaded at the station, reflecting steady growth in freight operations.

With the commencement of freight loading, Mendipathar station is now fully equipped to handle large-scale freight traffic, both for loading and unloading.

Officials say these operations are expected to provide a significant boost to Meghalaya’s local economy by facilitating the inward and outward movement of goods in a reliable, cost-effective manner, particularly benefiting hilly and otherwise less accessible areas.

The freight operations are also expected to support regional industries, improve market access for local commodities, and enable efficient transportation of essential goods, strengthening the overall economic framework of the state.