Tripura Transport Minister writes to Centre seeking railway, air connectivity with Bangladesh

Agartala Tripura: Transport Minister of Tripura By Sushant Choudhary On Thursday, he wrote separate letters to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ramamohan Naidu seeking the Centre’s intervention to operationalise international air and rail connectivity with Bangladesh. Extending his heartiest wishes to the new Railway Minister on being given charge of the ministry for the second consecutive term.

Appreciating the Railway Minister for his past works, the minister wrote, “Under your leadership, we have witnessed significant progress in enhancing the efficiency, safety and accessibility of our railway network. Your vision of modernising railway services and implementing cutting-edge technologies has not only improved the travel experience of millions of people but has also contributed to the socio-economic development of our state.” The minister in his detailed letter listed 10 pending issues and sought the Railway Minister’s intervention for early redressal, with the introduction of rail services between India and Bangladesh through Tripura topping the list.

“These issues include introduction of regular passenger and freight train services from Agartala (Tripura)-Kolkata to Dhaka, Bangladesh and Agartala (Tripura) to Chittagong (Bangladesh) through the newly constructed Agartala (India)-Akhaura (Bangladesh) rail link; electrification of the railway track from Badarpur to Sabroom; conversion of the existing single-line rail track into a double-line track; introduction of an additional daily passenger train on the Agartala-Dharmanagar route,” the letter said.

The letter further said, “Besides this, the minister also demanded: “Increase in the number of coaches in local DEMUs. Agartala-Guwahati inter-city train services. Introduction of Agartala-Jammu, Agartala-Puri Express and Agartala Gaya train services. Alternate rail connectivity from Pecharthal – Kailashahar-Dharmanagar (41.75 km). Alternate rail connectivity from Dharmanagar to Belonia via Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Khowai and Agartala (178.72 km). Belonia-Feni rail link.” On the other hand, the minister also congratulated Union Civil Aviation Minister KR Naidu. Seeking the Union minister’s cooperation for the overall development of the civil aviation sector, he wrote: “As the Transport Minister of Tripura, I look forward to working closely with your esteemed office to further strengthen the civil aviation related infrastructure and services in our state. “The Government of India has already declared Agartala airport as a customs check post. The existing Kailashahar airport should be expanded/developed and operationalised,” listed his letter as the main demands.

He also drew the Minister’s attention to the recent steep increase in flight fares affecting regular flyers.

“The recent withdrawal of IndiGo flights on routes like Kolkata Agartala Lengpui (Aizawl, Mizoram), Kolkata-Agartala-Shillong and Kolkata-Agartala, including flights IG7305, IG7954, IG7144 and flight 6E-6519 from Agartala to Kolkata, has led to exorbitant airfares in the sector. These flights are vital for connecting Kolkata, Agartala and Shillong and providing essential services. Hence please resume these services immediately or arrange for starting services on these routes through other suitable air operators.” (ANI)