GUWAHATI: In a significant move to enhance rail connectivity in the Northeastern region of India, two new trains were inaugurated, while the services of two railway stations were extended. This development marks a significant step towards better transportation options for the region and facilitates connectivity with major cities across the country.
The flagging-off ceremony, which took place on a Thursday, was graced by the presence of Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha. They were present at the Guwahati and Agartala Railway Stations, respectively, to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, virtually participated in the flagging-off programs at various stations. This event also saw the attendance of Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), senior railway officials, and other state dignitaries.
One of the key highlights of this development was the fulfillment of a long-standing demand from the people of Barak Valley. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off the new train service, train no. 15617/15618 (Guwahati – Dullabcherra – Guwahati) Express from Guwahati Station. The tri-weekly service of this train will run on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, beginning its journey on October 21, 2023.
The train will provide the first direct rail service between Guwahati, the capital of Assam, and Dullabcherra, situated on the border with Mizoram. This newfound connectivity will greatly benefit the people of the bordering areas of Assam and Mizoram, easing travel and fostering economic development.
Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, flagged off the extension of train no. 12519/12520 (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus– Kamakhya – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Express up to Agartala. Additionally, a new daily DEMU train service, train no. 07688/07687 (Agartala – Sabroom – Agartala), was launched from Agartala Railway Station. The extension of the train service will connect the capital of Tripura with the western part of India, including Mumbai.
The introduction of the DEMU train service will significantly improve connectivity for the people of remote areas of Tripura, bridging the gap between these areas and the state capital, Agartala.
As part of the railway station improvements, an escalator was inaugurated at the Agartala station. This enhancement will be particularly beneficial for senior citizens and patients when boarding trains or switching platforms.
Lastly, the train no. 12514/12513 (Guwahati – Secunderabad – Guwahati) Express, which had its services extended up to Silchar, was also flagged off from the Silchar Railway Station. The extended service will commence its regular journey from October 21, 2023, offering improved connectivity to the people of Silchar.
This strategic expansion of rail services and extensions reflects the government's commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure in the Northeast, furthering economic growth and ease of travel for the region's residents.
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