Agartala, May 07: The interruption of goods train services, stemming from a derailment in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, has raised concerns for the Tripura government, while the North East Frontier Railway (NFR) seeks additional time for restoration efforts.
Since April 26, goods train services to Tripura have been halted following a derailment incident in Assam’s Jatinga area, resulting in a shortage of essential goods in the northeastern state.
In response, the Tripura government has implemented fuel sale restrictions to manage the dwindling stock.
“Despite concerted efforts by the NFR, goods train services remain suspended. We will escalate the matter to the highest authorities,” remarked Tripura’s Transport Secretary, UK Chakma.
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The NFR, previously committed to restoring services by May 7, has now requested an extension of three days to accomplish the task.
Sabyasachi Dey, NFR CPRO, highlighted ongoing restoration efforts, with over 300 workers deployed at Jatinga. While passenger train services continue without disruption, goods train operations remain hampered since the April 26 derailment.
In response to the disruption in goods train services affecting food grain supply, Tripura’s Additional Secretary for Food and Civil Supplies, Nirmal Adhikari, convened a meeting on Monday with representatives from the Tripura Merchants’ Association (TMA) and Tripura Wholesale Grocery Merchants’ Association (TWGMA) to assess the situation.
Despite the disruption, officials reassured citizens, stating that the state maintains a food stockpile for approximately a month.
The meeting aimed to evaluate the impact of the goods train service disruption and urged merchants to continue procuring essential items, including food grains, via road transport until train services resume.
