Electric Train Services Set to Launch in Southern Assam and Tripura
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Synopsis
The Northeast Frontier Railway is set to launch electric trains in southern Assam and Tripura. Following successful trial runs, passenger services are expected to begin within two months. This initiative is part of a larger electrification project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region.
Key Takeaways
- NFR is working to start electric trains in Assam and Tripura.
- Successful trial run of electric goods train completed.
- Passenger services anticipated within one to two months.
- Tripura connected to major cities through express trains.
- Vande Bharat Express trains to extend to Agartala soon.
Guwahati/Agartala, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is making significant strides to commence the long-awaited electric train operations in southern Assam and Tripura as soon as possible, according to officials on Friday.
An NFR representative revealed that a successful trial run for the initial goods train utilizing an electric locomotive occurred on Thursday, traversing from Badarpur station in southern Assam to Jirania station in Tripura, located just 15 km north of Agartala railway station.
"Essential infrastructural enhancements, including electrification, have recently been finalized in southern Assam and Tripura. Following the successful operation of additional goods trains with electric locomotives, we will initiate passenger train services on this route. We are diligently working to launch passenger trains using electric locomotives within a month or, at most, two months," the official informed IANS.
Currently, Tripura enjoys connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Firozpur, and Patna through various express trains; however, all passenger services have solely relied on diesel engines.
A substantial electrification initiative costing Rs 46 crore was initiated in 2022 to integrate Tripura with the national railway grid for electric trains.
The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) is set to supply power to the railway's electric transmission infrastructure.
As the groundwork for electric railway lines is nearing completion, the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express trains are expected to extend their services to Silchar in Assam and Agartala within the upcoming months, as stated by the NFR official.
Rajya Sabha member Rajib Bhattacharjee from Tripura previously indicated that the infrastructure is almost primed for the operation of Vande Bharat Express trains to Silchar and Agartala, with only minor works remaining for completion.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently prioritizes the advancement of northeastern states. The Vande Bharat Express is one of his visionary projects," he remarked.
The Prime Minister inaugurated Assam's inaugural Vande Bharat Express on May 29, 2023, linking Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The journey aboard the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express takes 5 hours and 30 minutes, significantly shorter than the previous quickest train on the same route, which required approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
This express service operates six days a week.
The NFR oversees operations in the northeastern states, as well as seven districts in West Bengal and five districts in northern Bihar.
