When will NF Railway start electric locomotive-powered trains from Tripura?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Electric locomotive-powered trains are being introduced in Tripura.
- Successful trial runs have been conducted between key railway stations.
- Electrification infrastructure is nearing completion.
- Regular operations are expected to begin soon.
- The initiative promotes greener travel options.
Guwahati/Agartala, May 23 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is diligently working to commence operations of the eagerly awaited electric locomotive-powered trains from Tripura as soon as possible, according to an official announcement made on Friday.
An NFR representative confirmed that a successful trial run of the passenger train powered by an electric locomotive took place on Friday, covering the route between Agartala railway station and Arunachal Junction railway station in the Cachar district of southern Assam.
“Such trial runs are essential before the regular operation of electric passenger trains. We expect to conduct several more trials of trains operated by electric locomotives prior to initiating regular services from Tripura,” the official stated.
Additionally, the first trial run for a goods train using an electric locomotive was successfully executed on February 6, connecting Badarpur station in southern Assam with Jirania station in Tripura, located 15 km north of Agartala railway station.
The official highlighted that essential infrastructure work, including electrification, has recently been completed in both southern Assam and Tripura.
“Following the successful operation of additional passenger and goods trains using electric locomotives, we will commence regular passenger train services on this route. We are making every effort to launch the electric locomotive passenger trains as soon as feasible,” the official remarked.
Currently, Tripura enjoys connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Firozpur, and Patna through several express trains; however, these services have been exclusively powered by diesel engines.
A project worth Rs 46 crore aimed at electrification was initiated in 2022 to link Tripura to the national railway grid with electric trains.
The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) will supply electricity to the railway's electric transmission lines. As the infrastructure for electric railway lines nears completion, the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Express trains will be extended to Silchar in Assam and Agartala within the next few months, as confirmed by the NFR official.
On May 29, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Assam’s inaugural Vande Bharat Express, linking Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
The Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express reduces travel time to just 5 hours and 30 minutes, compared to the previous fastest service on the route, which took approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
This express train operates six days per week. The NFR serves the northeastern states, seven districts in West Bengal, and five districts in northern Bihar.