By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 04, 2026
Agartala, July 4 (FD) Tripura entered a new phase in railway connectivity on Saturday with Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha flagging off the Northeast's first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train from Agartala Railway Station.
The Chief Minister also expressed optimism that the state would soon be connected by a Vande Bharat Express, further strengthening its rail network.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Saha described the launch of the MEMU service as a landmark achievement in Tripura's transportation sector, saying it reflects the rapid expansion of railway infrastructure in the state. He said the new electric train will offer passengers a faster, more affordable and efficient mode of travel while boosting regional connectivity.
The newly introduced MEMU service will operate between Agartala and Karimganj in Assam, improving daily commuter movement and enhancing rail links between Tripura and the neighbouring state.
Recalling his recent meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Saha said he had requested improved rail services for Tripura. While he initially expected the introduction of a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), the Railway Minister informed him that Tripura would instead receive the Northeast's first MEMU train.
"Launching of electric train services from Agartala marks the beginning of a new chapter in Tripura's railway history," the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting future infrastructure projects, Saha said work is progressing on the operationalisation of the Maitri Setu over the Feni River and the Agartala-Akhaura railway link connecting India with Bangladesh. Once commissioned, these projects are expected to strengthen regional trade, facilitate cross-border movement and enhance Tripura's strategic importance as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
He said the state's growing transport infrastructure would play a crucial role in supporting economic activities and increasing passenger movement as international connectivity expands.
Emphasising Tripura's evolving role in the Northeast, the Chief Minister noted that around 271 kilometres of railway tracks in the state have been electrified this year. He also pointed out that several new long-distance and regional train services have substantially improved connectivity between Tripura and the rest of the country.
Reflecting on the state's railway journey, Dr. Saha said rail services first reached Dharmanagar in 1964, followed by Kumarghat in 1990. He recalled that railway development in the Northeast gathered momentum after the region's rail expansion was declared a National Project during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Agartala received metre-gauge rail connectivity in 2008, while the subsequent conversion to broad gauge under the present Central Government has significantly accelerated rail services and infrastructure development.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, senior officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway's Lumding Division and other dignitaries attended the flag-off ceremony. FD JK