Agartala, June 19: The Agartala Railway Station is set for a significant transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. An initial investment of ₹48 crore has been approved for the first phase of redevelopment works.
Alongside the station’s modernization, a new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train service is expected to commence in the next 10 days, enhancing rail connectivity between Agartala and Karimganj in southern Assam.
Chetan Kumar Srivastava, General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), shared details about the redevelopment, which includes the construction of a three-story station building at the heart of the station complex.
During a two-day inspection, Srivastava, along with senior railway officials, closely examined the railway infrastructure and operational facilities in Tripura under the Lumding Division. He assessed the condition of tracks, railway properties, passenger amenities, and ongoing development projects aimed at improving operational capacity and passenger convenience.
According to the General Manager, the entire modernization project for Agartala Railway Station is targeted for completion by March next year, with an estimated cost of ₹48 crore.
The revamped station will feature commercial spaces, restaurants, a cafeteria, enhanced passenger facilities, modern retiring rooms, affordable sleeping pods, improved parking, and a well-planned circulating area. The existing three retiring rooms will be replaced with 8 to 10 modern rooms, benefiting tourists and passengers staying for short durations in Tripura.
Srivastava also mentioned that redevelopment work is progressing rapidly in Kumarghat in northern Tripura and Udaipur in Gomati district under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with completion expected by September this year.
He indicated that, based on future traffic growth, the number of platforms at Agartala Railway Station could increase from three to five.
Addressing passenger concerns about overcrowding, the General Manager confirmed that the MEMU train service between Agartala and Karimganj will soon be launched. This service is expected to operate six days a week and will be the first MEMU service under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, benefiting daily commuters and travelers in both Tripura and Assam.
He also announced that by the end of the current financial year, all remaining ICF coaches will be replaced with safer and more modern LHB coaches.
Srivastava stated that the Northeast Frontier Railway network has achieved 100% electrification. Preparations for full-scale electric train operations are underway, including necessary training and operational readiness.
He highlighted ongoing railway projects in Tripura, mentioning that development work involving the Railway, Public Works Department (PWD), and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in Sekerkot is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Additionally, a new petroleum terminal siding is under construction, facilitating easier movement of fuel wagons and strengthening the state’s fuel storage capacity, allowing for a reserve stock of 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 modernization of railway infrastructure in the northeastern region.
Kapingal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR, emphasized the importance of such inspections in Tripura, especially due to heavy rainfall and challenging terrain, which necessitate continuous monitoring to ensure safe and reliable train operations.
During his two-day visit, Srivastava inspected the Agartala coaching depot, evaluating coach maintenance, cleanliness, adherence to safety regulations, and operational preparedness. He also reviewed the running room in Agartala, assessing accommodation standards, cleanliness, and amenities provided to train operating crew members, stressing the importance of employee welfare in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable train operations.
Sharma noted that since the introduction of broad-gauge services in Agartala in 2016, there has been a remarkable increase in rail connectivity in Tripura. Key initiatives like the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) international rail link, the Orange-Agartala Express, and proposed electric MEMU and Vande Bharat services are further strengthening connectivity, enhancing passenger convenience, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.
The CPRO stated that these inspections reflect NFR’s ongoing focus on strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing passenger facilities, and maintaining high safety standards. Such initiatives play a crucial role in providing reliable, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway services in Tripura and the entire northeastern region.
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