Northeast's First MEMU Train Flagged Off from Agartala, Vande Bharat Next on Tripura's Rail Roadmap, says CM

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 4, 2026

Tripura marked a significant milestone in railway connectivity on Saturday as Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha inaugurated the Northeast's first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train from Agartala Railway Station. He also expressed confidence that the state would soon be connected by a Vande Bharat Express.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, the Chief Minister said the introduction of the MEMU service reflects the rapid expansion of rail infrastructure in the state and will provide faster, more affordable and efficient transportation for passengers.

Dr Saha recalled that during his recent meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, he had requested improved train services for Tripura. While he had expected a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), the Railway Minister informed him that the state would instead receive the Northeast's first MEMU train.

Calling the launch a landmark achievement, the Chief Minister said the beginning of electric train services from Agartala represents a new chapter in Tripura's transport network. He attributed the state's railway development to sustained support from the Central Government and said connectivity has now reached the farthest parts of Tripura.

Highlighting future projects, Dr Saha said work is progressing to operationalise the Maitri Setu over the Feni River and the Agartala-Akhaura rail link with Bangladesh. Once commissioned, these projects are expected to strengthen regional trade and cross-border connectivity, making reliable public transport within the state even more important.

The Chief Minister said Tripura is emerging as a key gateway for commerce and travel in the Northeast. He noted that 271 kilometres of railway tracks in the state have been electrified this year, while several long-distance and regional train services have already improved connectivity with other parts of the country.

Reflecting on the state's railway journey, Dr Saha said rail services first reached Dharmanagar in 1964 and Kumarghat in 1990. He added that railway expansion in the Northeast gained momentum after it was declared a national project during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with Agartala receiving metre-gauge connectivity in 2008. Following the conversion to broad gauge under the present Central Government, rail services and connectivity have expanded considerably.

The Chief Minister also said he has urged the Centre to approve a double railway line for Tripura. According to him, the survey has already been completed and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is underway.

Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, senior officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway's Lumding Division and other dignitaries were present at the flag-off ceremony.

This train will run between Agartala and Karimganja located in Assam.

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