In a pioneering collaboration that showcases the power of academia-industry partnerships, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have jointly developed an innovative paint technology designed to combat moss scaling on railway bridges across Northeast India.
This groundbreaking solution addresses a persistent infrastructure challenge in the region’s humid, rainfall-heavy climate, where biological growth on bridge surfaces has long compromised both aesthetic appearance and structural integrity.
The initiative began following advice from Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR, who called for a sustainable solution to this recurring maintenance issue. Rising to the challenge, NFR’s team led by Principal Chief Engineer Shri Sandeep Sharma collaborated with IIT Guwahati researchers under the direction of Dr. Vimal Katiyar.
The newly developed paint system incorporates advanced chemical formulations specifically engineered to resist corrosion and inhibit biological growth. Its functionalized coating with an exterior lamination system significantly enhances durability and protection against environmental factors.
Railway engineers expect this innovation to deliver multiple benefits, including substantial reductions in maintenance costs and extended lifespan for critical bridge infrastructure. Beyond immediate applications, the technology establishes a precedent for tackling region-specific infrastructure challenges through collaborative research.