1. Tripura faces a fuel crisis due to suspended goods train services, exacerbating supply challenges.
2. Derailment in Assam’s Jatinga area has halted fuel transport to Tripura since April 26.
3. Food and Civil Supplies department official highlights the severity of the fuel shortage in Tripura.
Agartala, May 11: Tripura is grappling with a fuel crisis as goods train services to the northeastern state remain suspended, according to an official from the Food and Civil Supplies department.
The disruption in goods train services occurred on April 26 following the derailment of a goods train in Assam’s Jatinga area, significantly impacting fuel supplies to Tripura.
While passenger train services continue uninterrupted, the absence of goods trains exacerbates the fuel shortage.
Nirmal Adhikari, Director of the Food and Civil Supplies department, expressed concern over the severity of the fuel crisis, emphasizing that goods trains have not resumed operations since April 26.
The uncertainty surrounding the restoration of railway tracks further complicates the situation.
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To mitigate the effects of the fuel shortage, the state government initiated rationing measures, limiting the amount of petrol and diesel provided to vehicles.
Two-wheelers and three-wheelers are allocated Rs 200 worth of petrol daily, while four-wheelers receive Rs 500. Buses, minibuses, and trucks are allotted specific daily fuel quotas based on their capacity.
Efforts are underway to augment fuel supplies by increasing the number of oil tankers transporting petrol from Guwahati and Silchar.
Adhikari revealed that 60% of Tripura’s fuel demand is currently being met through oil tankers. However, prolonged disruption in goods train services may lead to shortages of essential commodities, including rice.
In response to potential fuel shortages, the Food and Civil Supplies department has requested police presence at petrol pumps to ensure orderly distribution. Instances of unrest were reported when some motorists resorted to violence after failing to obtain petrol at a fuel outlet.
Despite assurances from railway authorities, the restoration of goods train services remains uncertain. While a goods train carrying petrol and diesel successfully crossed Jatinga, concerns persist over the damaged railway track’s suitability for transporting oil tankers.
Chief Minister Manik Saha has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite the restoration of goods train services to alleviate Tripura’s fuel crisis.
However, railway officials caution that the timeline for resuming services cannot be accurately determined amid ongoing repair efforts.
