Tripura-Bangladesh Passenger Train Service Set to Launch Soon

Agartala, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is making significant strides towards launching a passenger train service between Tripura and Bangladesh. Ashish Bansal, the General Manager (Construction) of NFR, directed railway officials to expedite pending tasks during a meeting on Saturday. The 12.24-kilometer Agartala-Akhura railway line, which connects to the international immigration station in Nischintpur, spans 5.46 kilometers in India and 6.78 kilometers in Bangladesh.The Agartala-Akhura rail link project, being implemented by NFR, is nearing completion and is expected to enhance rail connectivity between the northeastern states and Bangladesh. During his recent visit to Tripura, NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer, Kapinjol Kishore Sharma, inspected the cross-border railway project and reviewed the status of remaining tasks at Nischintpur railway station. He urged officials to complete outstanding work promptly to enable the swift launch of the passenger rail service.Sharma emphasized that the Agartala-Akhura project represents a vital cross-border rail link between India and Bangladesh, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the Indian government's Act East Policy. Bansal conducted a comprehensive inspection from Badarpur in southern Assam to Agartala, and then to Nischintpur and Sabroom in southern Tripura. This inspection covered the entire route and involved detailed discussions with senior NFR officials.During the review, Bansal assessed ongoing construction and existing railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, and safety measures. He evaluated the progress of various projects and issued necessary directives, focusing on safety, quality, timely completion, and the proper maintenance of railway assets. Additionally, Bansal reviewed the status of road-over bridges (ROBs) in the Kumarghat-Agartala section, aimed at eliminating level crossings, enhancing road safety, and improving public convenience.Under the revised estimate for the Kumarghat-Agartala project, a total of 23 ROBs have been approved, with contracts awarded for 12, and work is currently underway. During the inspection of the Agartala-Sabroom section, Bansal reviewed railway infrastructure, safety protocols, and maintenance activities. He instructed officials to ensure ongoing security, reliability, and efficient maintenance of railway properties.