Agartala: The north-eastern state of Tripura may soon bid adieu to diesel-powered locomotives. The Indian Railways is likely to launch operation of electric powered trains from next month.
A senior officer of the Indian Railways said that Tripura would be connected to the national railway grid once the electrification project is over next month. Presently, trains are pulled by diesel-powered engines in Tripura.
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The Central government had launched a ₹46-crore electrification project in 2022 to bring Tripura on the national railway grid. The North Eastern Railways (NFR) has already completed electrification work from Badarpur to Agartala via Dharmanagar in the northeastern state.
As per the agreement, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) is ready to supply power to the electric transmission line of the Indian Railways in the state by February.
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“We had undertaken work for erection of three traction power substations – Kumarghat in Unakoti district, Teliamura in Khowai district and Udaipur in Gomati district. The erection of Kumarghat substation was completed in March last year,” said a TSECL officer, adding that the substation at Udaipur is set to be completed by this month and the one at Teliamura by February.
He said that the TSECL will be ready in all respects to energise the railway electric transmission line from Dharmanagar to Agartala and elsewhere, once three traction substations are complete.
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Indian Railways has sought 5 MW power for each substation on a daily basis, and if required, more power could be supplied. “We are confident once this project is completed, more advanced and faster trains will be introduced in the northeastern state. It will play a crucial role in boosting infrastructure and the economic growth of the state,” said the TSECL officer.
Chief public relations officer of NFR Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the electrification work has been completed from Badarpur to Agartala via Dharmanagar, barring the hilly stretch of the Lumding-Badarpur section.
“Steps have been taken to complete the electrification work from Lumding to Agartala as early as possible,” he said.
