Tripura residents, fuel supply has resumed after the restoration of the Agartala-Guwahati railway line. A railway fuel wagon rolled into the state on Sunday night, State Transport Department officials confirmed on Monday.
Fuel Crisis Ends in Tripura
The reopening of the Agartala-Guwahati railway route ends days of fuel scarcity. Tripura had been grappling with fuel shortages after landslides in Assam disrupted train services. The fuel crisis sparked panic buying and long queues at petrol pumps across the state.
Tripura Fuel Supply Severely Affected
According to Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, the railway track had been under repair for over two weeks due to damage from heavy rainfall and landslides near Haflong in Assam.
“We were facing severe challenges in maintaining fuel stocks in Tripura. The restoration of rail connectivity has provided much-needed relief,” Chowdhury said.
He also assured that the fuel supply situation would normalize in the next few days.
Railway Line Vital for State Economy
The Agartala-Guwahati railway line serves as a lifeline for Tripura. It ensures the transportation of essential commodities such as fuel, food grains, and construction materials.
“The restoration of this railway link is crucial for the economy of Tripura. It reduces transportation costs and ensures timely delivery of vital goods,” said Debabrata Das, an economist at Tripura University.
Petrol Pumps See Respite
Petrol pump owners expressed relief over the arrival of the fuel wagon.
“Stock levels were almost zero. People were rushing to fill tanks fearing an indefinite shortage. Thankfully, fuel supply is restored, and panic buying has reduced,” said Rajiv Paul, a petrol pump owner in Agartala.
As of Monday evening, most petrol pumps in Agartala had resumed normal operations.
Fuel Supply Monitoring Continues
Tripura’s State Transport Department said it would continue monitoring fuel stocks closely. The department plans to coordinate with Indian Railways to ensure regular arrival of fuel wagons in the coming weeks.
The department has also urged residents not to panic-buy fuel as stocks are gradually stabilizing.
Impact on Transport and Prices
During the disruption, public transport and private vehicles suffered. Transport operators had to cut down trips, and prices of essential goods began rising due to increased transportation costs.
“With the railway back in operation, we expect prices of goods to stabilize soon,” said Tripura Chamber of Commerce president Rakesh Debnath.
Importance of Rail Connectivity
Experts emphasized the importance of strengthening railway infrastructure in the Northeast. The region’s connectivity often suffers due to natural disasters, impacting daily life and economic activity.
“The Northeast needs more resilient railway tracks and alternative routes. The government should invest in landslide prevention measures and better engineering solutions,” said infrastructure expert Anirban Das.
Call for Long-Term Measures
Tripura government officials stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to safeguard fuel supply during emergencies.
“We must develop buffer storage systems for essential commodities, including fuel. The recent crisis showed how vulnerable we remain to supply disruptions,” said Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.
Government Urges Calm
The government has appealed to citizens not to engage in panic buying.
“Fuel supply is restored. There is no need for hoarding or fear. We assure the public of continuous monitoring and adequate supply,” Chowdhury said.
The reopening of the Agartala-Guwahati railway line marks a significant relief for Tripura. With fuel supplies flowing again, daily life is returning to normal. However, experts warn that long-term measures are crucial to prevent future crises.
Tripura residents are hopeful that the lessons learned during this disruption will lead to stronger infrastructure and better preparedness in the future.
