Northeast Desk, 12th May: Residents of Tripura can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the state’s crippling fuel shortage is expected to ease. A crucial goods train carrying petroleum products has reached Dharmanagar railway station in North Tripura district on May 12, ending a two-week ordeal caused by a derailment in Assam.
The train’s arrival marks the end of the state’s fuel woes, which escalated due to disrupted railway lines in the hilly terrain of Dima Hasao district. The derailment incident between Jatinga Lumpur and New Harangajao severed the crucial supply line, causing a severe shortage of petrol and diesel across Tripura.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) state coordinator Pramit Dhar confirmed that the unloading process had commenced to address the urgent fuel requirements of North Tripura. Dhar stated that the railways had given them the green signal, and the first train successfully reached Tripura around 3:30 pm after the affected tracks were restored.
The much-awaited consignment comprises 49 wagons, with 19 carrying diesel and 30 loaded with petrol – a lifeline for the fuel-starved state.
Dhar revealed that another fuel-laden train is stationed at Silchar in Assam and will proceed towards Tripura after addressing local supply needs.
Expressing gratitude for the swift resolution of the crisis, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha took to social media to thank Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and commend the tireless efforts of Northeast Frontier Railway officials and workers in restoring the vital rail link.