The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Saturday launched the Northeast region's first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service, connecting Tripura's capital Agartala with Karimganj in Southern Assam and ushering in a new era of electric rail transportation in the region.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha flagged off the MEMU passenger train at Agartala Railway Station, describing the launch as a historic milestone in the state's railway journey and the beginning of electric train operations in Tripura.
The modern electric train, with a passenger carrying capacity of 3,600, is equipped with advanced amenities and marks the first MEMU service introduced anywhere in the Northeast under the Northeast Frontier Railway.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the service has been introduced to provide passengers with faster, safer and more comfortable travel in line with modern transportation needs.
He noted that the state-of-the-art MEMU train would make daily commuting easier, more convenient and time-efficient for thousands of passengers while offering a safe, modern and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Dr Saha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and all stakeholders involved in the project for bringing the new rail service to the state.
"Tripura has become the first state in the Northeast to receive this MEMU train service. It will offer a comfortable journey for passengers while strengthening regional rail connectivity," the Chief Minister said.
The Agartala-Karimganj MEMU service will operate six days a week, except Sundays, with regular commercial operations scheduled to begin from July 6.
According to NFR officials, the eco-friendly electric train comprises 12 stainless steel coaches and features several modern passenger facilities, including LED lighting, bio-toilets, CCTV surveillance, a GPS-based passenger information display system showing upcoming stations and platform details, and a public address system.
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the train, which had earlier been operating as a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), has now been upgraded to a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit following the electrification of the route.
He described the transition as a major technological advancement and another significant milestone in NFR's efforts towards railway modernisation, sustainable transportation and enhanced passenger convenience.
Sharma said the introduction of the first MEMU service in Tripura and the Northeast represents a landmark achievement in NFR's mission to provide faster, cleaner and more efficient rail connectivity across the region.
Unlike DEMU trains, MEMU services operate entirely on electric traction, making them environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and more economical to run. They also offer better acceleration and deceleration, resulting in faster station-to-station travel and reduced journey times on suburban and short-distance routes.
MEMU trains ensure smoother rides, lower noise levels, reduced maintenance requirements and zero emissions at the point of operation, reinforcing Indian Railways' commitment to sustainable transportation.
The NFR CPRO said the Agartala-Karimganj-Agartala MEMU service would greatly benefit daily commuters, students, office-goers, traders and tourists by providing a reliable, comfortable and eco-friendly mode of transportation between Tripura and adjoining areas of Assam.
He added that improved rail connectivity would facilitate easier movement of people, strengthen social and economic ties between neighbouring states and contribute to regional development.
The service is also expected to support local commerce by enabling convenient travel for small business owners and workers while encouraging greater use of rail transport over road travel.
"As the first MEMU train service in Tripura and the entire Northeast, this initiative reflects NFR's vision of transforming rail infrastructure, enhancing passenger experience and supporting regional development through modern, sustainable and customer-centric railway services," Sharma said.
Among those present at the inaugural function were Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar and Lumding Division Divisional Railway Manager Sameer Lohana.
Meanwhile, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath had earlier announced that the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) had completed 100 per cent electrification of the state's 271-km railway network.
He noted that the first train reached Dharmanagar in northern Tripura in 1964, while railway connectivity was extended to Agartala in 2008 after a gap of 44 years. The rail network was further expanded to Sabroom in southern Tripura in 2019.
Nath said that following Narendra Modi's assumption of office as Prime Minister in 2014, the broad-gauge conversion project in Tripura was completed, replacing the earlier metre-gauge railway line. He also highlighted the completion of the Agartala-Akhaura international railway link connecting Tripura with Bangladesh in 2023.
"The present state and Central governments are committed to ensuring development and accelerating the state's progress," Nath had said.
The broad-gauge railway network from Churaibari on the Tripura-Assam border to Sabroom near the India-Bangladesh border now spans 271 km, with all related development and expansion works completed within seven years.
Under the Centre's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment work is currently underway at four railway stations in Tripura — Agartala, Udaipur, Kumarghat and Dharmanagar.
Tripura is presently connected to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Firozpur and Patna through several long-distance express train services.