Northeast Connectivity: Tripura Set To Welcome Electric Trains By February As Indian Railways Complete Rs 46-Crore Electrification Project

Electric train operations in Tripura are set to commence by February, following the completion of a major electrification project aimed at integrating the state into the national railway grid.

The Rs 46-crore project, initiated in 2022, marks a significant step in transitioning from diesel-powered engines to electric trains, officials confirmed on Monday (6 January).

The North Eastern Railways (NFR) has successfully completed electrification work from Badarpur to Agartala via Dharmanagar.

The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) is now gearing up to supply power to the railway electric transmission line, with three traction power substations being constructed to support the project.

Nirupam Guha, Assistant General Manager (Transmission) of TSECL, provided an update on the progress, saying, “We had undertaken work for the erection of three traction power substations – Kumarghat in Unakoti district, Teliamura in Khowai district, and Udaipur in Gomati district. The erection of the Kumarghat substation was completed in March last year.”

Guha further noted that the Udaipur substation is on track for completion this month, while the Teliamura substation will be operational by February.

“After the completion of the three traction substations, the TSECL will be ready in all respects to energise the railway electric transmission line from Dharmanagar to Agartala and elsewhere,” he added.

The Railways have requested 5 MW of power for each substation daily, with provisions for additional supply if required. Guha emphasised the transformative potential of the project, stating, “We are confident once this project is completed, more advanced and faster trains will be introduced in the northeastern state. It will play a crucial role in boosting infrastructure and the economic growth of the state.”

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, confirmed the completion of electrification on the Badarpur-Agartala route, except for the hilly Lumding-Badarpur section.

“Steps have been taken to complete the electrification work from Lumding to Agartala as early as possible,” he said.

The project is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and contribute to Tripura’s economic development.