Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb has urged the central government to speed up crucial upgrades to the railway network in the Northeast, with a strong focus on Tripura’s infrastructure. Speaking during a session in Parliament on April 22, 2025, the MP stressed the importance of better rail connectivity to unlock the economic potential of the region. He said improved transport corridors would not only boost regional trade but also improve the everyday lives of people who rely on railway services for travel and commerce.
Deb pointed out that the current railway infrastructure in Tripura has not kept pace with the state’s growing population and economic activities. He emphasized that faster and more frequent trains are necessary to meet public demand. According to him, delays, limited services, and poor connectivity with key northeastern and mainland cities are issues that need urgent attention. He asked the Union Ministry of Railways to increase its focus on Tripura and push for major upgrades in both passenger and freight routes.
He also proposed new express train routes that would connect Agartala more efficiently to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Siliguri. He argued that such routes would ease the burden on road transport and create a more reliable, cost-effective alternative for travelers and traders. He highlighted that the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata could reduce significantly with a direct express train. He said the region would benefit enormously from such a service in terms of tourism, business, and emergency medical access.
The MP further added that improving the Agartala-Akhaura international rail link is key to fostering cross-border trade with Bangladesh. He said faster completion of the remaining works on this line should be a priority. He reminded the Parliament that the government has already committed funds and expressed political will for this project, and now implementation must catch up with intent. He said Tripura could emerge as a major hub for trade with Southeast Asia if this corridor becomes fully functional.
During his address, Deb drew attention to the public’s complaints about frequent technical issues, poor maintenance, and outdated facilities at many railway stations in the state. He noted that several stations still lack basic amenities such as clean waiting areas, digital displays, and security surveillance. He appealed to the Ministry to ensure that modernisation is not limited to big cities but extends to northeastern states as well. He said the Northeast deserves the same quality of infrastructure as other parts of the country.
In his speech, Deb also acknowledged the government’s earlier steps like the extension of express services to Sabroom and the electrification of some rail lines in the state. However, he said these measures are not enough unless they are followed up with long-term infrastructure upgrades and timely project completion. He requested more budget allocations for railway projects in the Northeast in the upcoming fiscal plan. He called on fellow MPs from the region to support this push for infrastructure equality.
The MP’s appeal received support from various corners, including local industry leaders who said the region’s limited connectivity is a major bottleneck. They echoed Deb’s sentiments that better railway links would open up supply chains and create jobs across multiple sectors. Tourism operators also welcomed the idea of faster rail access, saying more visitors would explore Tripura if travel was easier and more reliable.
People in Tripura have long demanded better railway access, especially in remote areas. The MP’s initiative has renewed their hopes that the region’s concerns will finally be addressed with urgency. As the session concluded, the Railways Minister promised to look into the proposals and said the ministry remains committed to improving connectivity across the Northeast.
Deb later told reporters that he will continue to follow up with officials in Delhi to make sure the promises turn into action. He said Tripura cannot afford to fall behind in connectivity and infrastructure at a time when the rest of the country is making fast progress.
