Tripura achieved a major milestone in railway connectivity on Saturday, July 4, as Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Northeast’s first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service connecting Agartala with Karimganj.
The newly introduced MEMU train has a seating capacity of 3,600 passengers and is equipped with CCTV surveillance and GPS-based tracking systems to improve passenger safety and enhance travel convenience.
Flagging off the service in Agartala, Saha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their continued support in strengthening railway infrastructure across Tripura. He described the launch as a landmark development that would significantly improve connectivity between Tripura and neighbouring regions.
Highlighting the progress of the state’s railway network, the Chief Minister noted that rail connectivity has already been extended to Sabroom, Tripura’s southernmost subdivision. He said Sabroom is poised to become an important gateway to Bangladesh once the Maitri Setu linking it with Ramgarh is operational.
Saha also said the Agartala-Akhaura rail link is expected to be commissioned soon, paving the way for smoother rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister further revealed that the state government has proposed the construction of a double railway line between Chandranathpur and Sabroom. He said the final location survey for the 263-kilometre project has been completed, while the detailed project report is in its final stage.
According to Saha, the proposed double-line corridor will facilitate the operation of additional train services to and from Agartala. The state has also submitted proposals for introducing direct train services from Agartala to Jammu, Gaya and Puri.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said Tripura currently has 18 train services, comprising 13 express trains and five Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) services. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding transport infrastructure and improving connectivity as part of its broader development agenda.
