Trial run on Akhaura-Agartala rail line soon

Tripura is going to be connected with Bangladesh by rail. As a result communication with Kolkata will be easier. The much desired Akhaura-Agartala dual-gauge railway is going to be launched. Notably, all preparations have been made for the experimental railway movement.

The project officials said that the work of Akhaura-Agartala railway project has already been completed by 95%.

Businessmen of both countries believe that if this railway is opened, passenger movement will be easier and the railway will play an important role in increasing the trade between the two countries. The railway will play a vital role in the economic development of the northeastern region of India and open new doors of possibilities.

Earlier, on August 16, the preparations for the trial train movement were completed after the successful running of the track car on the Akhaura-Agartala railway. 6.78 km railway is in the Bangladesh section of the 12.24 km long railway. Railway lines have been installed in the entire section.

This short distance railway will reduce the distance between Agartala and Kolkata by about 1,100 kilometers. The work of Immigration and Customs building is also in the final stage.

Traders believe that the extent of Bangladesh’s ongoing import-export trade with North-East India will increase further through this railway. It will also help consumers to get products at affordable prices.

Engineers of the railway construction company Texmaco Rail and Engineering Limited said that 6.5 kilometers of Bangladesh section of Akhaura-Agartala railway is now ready.
Senior officials of the Indian Railways Ministry said, “People of seven North Eastern states have to travel around 1400 km to reach Kolkata in West Bengal.

Once this is completed, the journey from Tripura to Kolkata will be reduced by at least 950 km.” They further said, “If the seven states of India are connected to Chittagong port and Matarbari port, the import and export of goods will be radically improved.

It will benefit both countries in terms of trade and economy.” Notably, around 241 crore rupees is being spent on the construction of the Bangladesh part of the Akhaura-Agartala dual-gauge railway project, which started in July 2018.