Rajya Sabha MP and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has urged the Central Government to expedite railway infrastructure development in Tripura and the surrounding region. Speaking during the recently concluded Parliament session, Deb highlighted the urgent need for modernisation of existing rail lines and proposed the introduction of new express train routes to enhance mobility, economic growth, and national integration.
Deb’s proposals, made during a Zero Hour address, reflect growing concerns among the people of Tripura regarding outdated rail services, limited express options, and poor connectivity to major cities outside the Northeast. He stressed that efficient rail transport is vital for economic development, tourism promotion, and regional inclusivity, especially in a geographically isolated state like Tripura.
Key Demands and Proposals
Among the core demands made by Deb was the upgradation of the Agartala–Sealdah and Agartala–Anand Vihar rail services. He proposed that the Agartala–Anand Vihar Rajdhani Express be extended to run daily instead of its current weekly schedule. Additionally, he suggested a faster, premium express service connecting Agartala with Guwahati, Kolkata, and New Delhi to reduce travel time and provide better facilities for long-distance passengers.
“Tripura deserves better rail connectivity, not just for the ease of its people, but to truly integrate the Northeast with the mainstream transport network of India. The railway is the backbone of national growth. It is time the Centre prioritises this sector for our region,” Deb said.
He also recommended upgrades in station infrastructure at key points such as Agartala, Dharmanagar, and Udaipur, calling for improved passenger amenities, digital ticketing systems, and dedicated freight corridors to boost trade.
Boosting Economy and Tourism
Deb’s appeal places a spotlight on the potential that enhanced railway networks can unlock for Tripura. As the state transitions into an emerging hub of trade, tourism, and agriculture, faster and more efficient railway lines could transform regional logistics and market access.
Tripura shares an international border with Bangladesh, and with new cross-border rail links such as the Agartala–Akhaura line nearing completion, Deb believes the region can be developed into a gateway for international trade. “We are on the brink of becoming a strategic transit corridor. But to do that, our internal infrastructure must match our aspirations,” he emphasized.
Tourism, one of the state’s untapped strengths, could also benefit immensely. Places like Unakoti, Jampui Hills, and Neermahal attract both domestic and international tourists. Better rail connectivity would enable seamless travel, potentially increasing footfall and boosting local economies.
Centre’s Response and Support
According to parliamentary sources, the Ministry of Railways has acknowledged the rising demands from the Northeast and is currently assessing feasibility studies for several of the proposed enhancements. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in an earlier statement, assured that the government is committed to making the Northeast “fully rail-connected with world-class facilities.”
While no immediate commitments were made during the session, officials indicate that several proposals made by Deb, especially regarding the frequency increase of existing express trains, are under active consideration.
Political and Public Backing
Biplab Kumar Deb’s proactive stance has been met with widespread appreciation from various quarters in Tripura. Political observers note that as a former Chief Minister and now an active MP, Deb continues to focus on infrastructure development, an area he championed during his tenure.
Public sentiment also appears to echo Deb’s concerns. “We need more trains and better trains. A trip to Delhi takes so long, and there are barely any options,” said a college student in Agartala. “If we get faster trains and better services, it will change everything—from job access to travel.”
Looking Ahead
With strategic railway expansion plans unfolding across the Northeast, Biplab Kumar Deb’s intervention adds timely urgency to Tripura’s infrastructural ambitions. As India continues its focus on inclusive development, the railways may well become the tracks along which the future of Tripura travels—faster, stronger, and more connected than ever before.
