Agartala, Aug 07: Tripura’s Chief Minister, Manik Saha, recently praised the Act East policy of the Modi government for bringing about a transformation in Northeast India’s connectivity. Over the past few years, the region has witnessed significant progress in railway connectivity, with the Agartala-Gangasagar rail link being a prominent example.
Saha emphasized that the development of this railway link would greatly benefit the people of Tripura and boost the state’s integration with the rest of the country.
In the past, the people of Tripura could not have imagined that the rail network would extend from Agartala, the state’s capital, to Sabroom, its southernmost border town. The opening of a meter-gauge railway station in Dharmanagar, North district, during the 1960s seemed like a distant milestone.
However, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dream has become a reality. Today, the state boasts broad-gauge railway connectivity with trains running between Agartala and Sabroom on a daily basis.
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The improved rail connectivity in Tripura has brought about a significant positive change, with 10 to 12 express trains now serving Agartala. Chief Minister Saha attributes this achievement to the Act East policy, which has prioritized enhancing connectivity in the Northeast since 2014. The policy has helped the region shed its remoteness and become an integral part of India in every sense. The transformative impact of the Act East policy is evident as the region witnesses a surge in development and economic opportunities.
Looking forward, Chief Minister Saha expressed optimism about further reducing travel time between Tripura and Kolkata. He believes that with the ongoing work on the Indo-Bangla (Agartala-Gangasagar) railway link, the day is not far when Tripura’s landlocked residents will be able to reach Kolkata in just 10 hours.
This ambitious railway project, aimed at enhancing cross-border connectivity, is expected to be commissioned by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transportation network.
To further bolster railway infrastructure and amenities, the Amrit Bharat Stations project is set to revamp 91 railway stations in the Northeast, including three in Tripura: Udaipur, Dharmanagar, and Kumarghat. With an investment of Rs 96.60 crore, these stations will undergo modernization, offering enhanced facilities to travelers.
Chief Minister Saha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw for recognizing the importance of Tripura’s railway stations and including them in the Amrit Bharat Station project. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that even remote areas receive the benefits of development.
The improved railway connectivity in Tripura and the Northeast at large is not only promoting economic growth but also fostering a sense of inclusion and integration within the larger Indian landscape. The region’s people can now access better opportunities for trade, education, and employment, leading to improved quality of life and social upliftment.
As India moves forward with ambitious plans for infrastructural development, the railway network serves as a vital lifeline for fostering regional progress and national unity. The advancements in railway connectivity exemplify the government’s commitment to the holistic development of all states and regions, ensuring that every citizen has access to a well-connected and prosperous India.
The commissioning of the Agartala-Gangasagar rail link and the redevelopment of railway stations in Tripura under the Amrit Bharat Stations project are significant milestones that will reshape the region’s transportation landscape. The Act East policy and the government’s dedication to connectivity projects have brought about a much-needed boost to the Northeast’s development.
As the Indo-Bangla railway link nears completion, the region eagerly anticipates further improvements in accessibility and opportunities, marking a promising era of progress and growth for Tripura and the entire Northeast region.
