By Firstdespatch Desk Feb 05, 2026
Agartala, Feb 5 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha felicitated Debolina Roy, the state’s first woman Assistant Loco Pilot, during his return journey on Tripura’s newly launched electric train service.
The Chief Minister was travelling back to Agartala by train on Wednesday after completing day-long official engagements in Unakoti district when he was informed that one of the locomotive crew members operating the service was Debolina Roy from Tripura.
A resident of Ramnagar in Agartala, Roy holds the distinction of being the first woman from the state to serve as an Assistant Loco Pilot in the Indian Railways.
Moved by the information, Dr. Saha expressed his desire to meet her. Upon the train’s arrival at Agartala railway station, he met Roy and felicitated her, congratulating her for breaking barriers in a profession traditionally dominated by men, officials said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said he felt proud to learn that a daughter of Tripura was part of the locomotive crew. He said that while discussions on women empowerment are common, seeing women take up technical and operational responsibilities reflects its real and visible impact.
Saha noted that women from Tripura are excelling across sectors, including aviation and railways, and described Roy’s achievement as a matter of pride for the entire state. He added that recognising such accomplishments is important to encourage more young women to pursue careers in diverse fields.
The interaction gained added significance as the Chief Minister was travelling on Tripura’s first electric train service, which began operations just two days ago. He said the electric train marked a new chapter in the state’s railway infrastructure and development journey.
For Roy, who joined the Indian Railways around three and a half years ago, the unexpected recognition turned into a memorable moment.
"Meeting the Chief Minister for the first time and receiving his appreciation made me feel proud and motivated", he told reporters. FD JK