Agartala railway station to get Rs 48-crore makeover; MEMU service likely within 10 days
Agartala, June 19 (IANS) Agartala Railway Station is set for a major transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an initial investment of Rs 48 crore sanctioned for Phase-I redevelopment works.
Alongside the station’s modernisation, a new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train service between Agartala and Karimganj in southern Assam is expected to be introduced within the next 10 days, significantly improving regional rail connectivity.
Announcing the developments, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava said that a new three-storey station building would be constructed at the centre of the station complex under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The General Manager, accompanied by senior railway officials, undertook a detailed two-day inspection of key railway infrastructure and operational facilities in Tripura under the Lumding Division.
During the inspection, Shrivastava closely reviewed track conditions, railway assets, passenger amenities and ongoing development works. He also assessed the progress of various projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, passenger convenience and rail connectivity across the region.
According to the NFR General Manager, the entire Agartala Railway Station modernisation project, estimated at Rs 48 crore, is targeted for completion by March next year.
The redeveloped station will feature commercial spaces, restaurants, cafeterias, improved passenger amenities, modern retiring rooms, low-cost sleeping pods, enhanced parking facilities and a well-planned circulating area.
He said that the existing three retiring rooms, which are currently in poor condition, would be replaced by eight to 10 modern rooms equipped with improved facilities, benefiting tourists and visitors staying in Tripura for short durations.
Shrivastava further announced that redevelopment works at Kumarghat in northern Tripura and Udaipur in Gomati district under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed by September this year.
He also stated that, depending on future traffic growth, the number of platforms at Agartala Railway Station may be increased from the present three to five.
Addressing passenger concerns regarding overcrowding, the General Manager said that a MEMU train service between Agartala and Karimganj would be launched shortly.
The service is expected to operate six days a week and would be the first MEMU service under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, benefiting daily commuters and passengers in both Tripura and Assam.
He also informed that all remaining ICF coaches would be replaced by safer and more modern LHB coaches by the end of the current financial year.
Highlighting recent infrastructure achievements, Shrivastava said that 100 per cent railway electrification has already been completed across the Northeast Frontier Railway network.
Necessary training and operational preparations are currently underway before the commencement of full-scale electric train operations.
Referring to ongoing railway projects in Tripura, he said that development works at Sekerkote involving the Railways, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) are expected to be completed by the end of August.
He also noted that construction of a new petroleum terminal siding is in progress, which would facilitate the movement of fuel wagons and strengthen the state’s fuel storage capacity, enabling reserves sufficient for up to 30 days.
The General Manager credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government for providing the necessary resources for the rapid expansion and modernisation of railway infrastructure across the Northeast region.
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that such inspections by the General Manager are particularly important in Tripura, where heavy rainfall and challenging terrain necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure safe and reliable train operations.
During his two-day visit, Shrivastava inspected the Agartala Coaching Depot and reviewed coach maintenance, cleanliness, safety compliance and operational preparedness.
He also inspected the Running Room at Agartala, assessing accommodation, hygiene standards and amenities provided to train operating crew members, while emphasising the importance of staff welfare in ensuring safe, efficient and reliable train operations.
Sharma said that Tripura has witnessed remarkable growth in rail connectivity since the introduction of broad-gauge services to Agartala in 2016.
Key initiatives such as the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) international rail link, the Narangi-Agartala Express, and the proposed electric MEMU and Vande Bharat services are further strengthening connectivity, improving passenger convenience and supporting the socio-economic development of the state.
The inspection reflects NFR’s continued focus on strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing passenger amenities and maintaining high standards of safety, the CPRO said.
He added that such initiatives contribute significantly to delivering reliable, efficient and passenger-friendly railway services across Tripura and the wider Northeast region.
–IANS
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