Agartala: Tripura is poised to take a significant step forward in modernizing its rail connectivity as electric trains are expected to begin operations by February 2025. This development follows the near completion of a Rs 46-crore railway electrification project, launched in 2022, which aims to connect the state to the national railway grid.
At present, Tripura operates diesel-powered trains. The electrification initiative, led by the North Eastern Railways (NFR), has already achieved key milestones, including the completion of work from Badarpur to Agartala via Dharmanagar. Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) is on track to provide power to the railway electric transmission line, with three traction substations being erected in Kumarghat, Teliamura, and Udaipur.
Assistant General Manager (Transmission) of TSECL, Nirupam Guha, confirmed that the Kumarghat substation was completed in March 2024, while the Udaipur substation will be ready by January and the Teliamura substation by February. These substations will supply 5 MW of power daily to each location, with provisions to increase supply if needed.
Railway electrification is expected to transform train operations in Tripura, enabling the introduction of advanced and faster trains. Officials believe this will significantly boost infrastructure and accelerate economic growth in the state.
Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, highlighted that while the stretch from Badarpur to Agartala is nearly complete, work on the hilly Lumding-Badarpur section is ongoing. Efforts are being made to expedite electrification from Lumding to Agartala, further enhancing connectivity across the region.
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