"Tripura Railway Network Set for Full Electrification Ahead of August Deadline"

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is pushing forward with ambitious plans to electrify the railway track spanning from Lumding to Sabroom in Tripura, with a targeted completion date set before August this year, according to an official statement on Wednesday.

Of the total 265 km track from Dharmanagar to Sabroom via Agartala, electrification efforts have been successfully completed along 165 km. The remaining 100 km stretch is slated for completion by August, providing a significant boost to the region's railway infrastructure, the official remarked.

Highlighting progress in the challenging terrain from Lumding to Badarpur (172 km), classified as a hill section, the Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, Sabyasachi De, reported that 85 per cent of the electrification work has been accomplished.

De emphasized that electrification efforts across the NFR's jurisdiction are making strides, with 65 per cent of tracks already electrified to enhance connectivity in the northeast. In Assam alone, 55 per cent of railway tracks have been electrified as part of the ongoing initiative.

Once electrification from Lumding to Sabroom via Agartala is completed, premier trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat could potentially extend their routes up to Agartala. Efforts are underway to expedite the electrification project, reflecting the railway's commitment to enhancing connectivity and service quality.

NFR aims to gradually phase out diesel-run trains in favor of electric trains, citing the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of electric traction. The shift to electric trains is expected to substantially reduce expenditure on diesel and mitigate carbon emissions associated with diesel engines.

To support infrastructure development, the central government has allocated INR 260 crore to upgrade Agartala station to world-class standards. Additionally, INR 93 crore has been earmarked for the conversion of three railway stations - Dharmanagar, Udaipur, and Kumarghat - into Amrit Bharat stations, further enhancing passenger facilities and amenities.

ET