The much-awaited rail connectivity with Bangladesh is likely to be established by September 2023. Moreover, a proposal for making the Agartala Rail Station of International standards is under processing.

 

Transport Minister of Tripura Sushanta Chowdhury while briefing the media in Agartala on Friday (April 21) about his meeting with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on April 19 last said, a detailed discussion was held with Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi regarding the commencement of the Agartala-Akhaura rail link. The highest priority has been given to completing the project of the Agartala-Akhaura rail link quickly.

 

| Also Watch : Tripura Transport Minister’s briefing |

 

Sushanta Chowdhury, during the meeting with the Union Minister of Railways, raked up the issue of the development of the state’s rail services and infrastructure.

 

Chowdhury stated that the responsibility for the Agartala-Akhaura rail link project lies with the DoNER Ministry. To this end, he mentioned that Ashwini Vaishnaw requested the DoNER Minister who recently visited Tripura and inspected the works of the Agartala-Akhaura rail link project, to allocate an additional Rs 150 crore to expedite the completion of the project. The Ministry will soon approve this funding request, Chowdhury told the media.

 

He also stated that 85% of the project has been completed on the Indian side and 73% on the Bangladesh side.

 

The Transport Minister also informed the media that for making the Agartala railway station an international standard station, the Railways Minister has been requested to take necessary steps, and Vaishnaw gave assurance of cooperation.

 

“DPR (Detailed Project Report) is being prepared for this purpose, and the foundation will be laid within the next 2-3 months. The Central Railways Minister is likely to visit Agartala railway station to lay the foundation stone of the project”, Chowdhury said.

 

Besides, two escalators will be installed at the Agartala and Dharmanagar railway stations in the state to improve passenger comfort and convenience.

 

The issue of starting the Dharmanagar Pencharthal-Kailashahar railway link had also been given priority in discussions with the Railways Minister who directed the relevant officials of the Railways Ministry to take the initiative in this project, Chowdhury said and added, Fifty percent of this railway link works has already been completed. The project cost is expected to be Rs 1,855 crore.

 

The Transport Minister of Tripura also raised the issue of starting a double-line rail track from Lumding to Sabroom in discussions with the Railways Minister.

 

In addition, discussions were held on the expansion of the railway line from Belonia station to the zero point on the Bangladesh border.

 

Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, Subrata Chowdhury, and Deputy Secretary Nihar Ranjan Das were present at the press conference.