Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has intensified efforts to complete pending works on the Agartala-Akhaura cross-border railway project. The initiative aims to launch passenger train services between Tripura and Bangladesh, improve regional connectivity, and strengthen railway infrastructure and safety.
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has intensified efforts to complete pending works on the Agartala-Akhaura cross-border railway project to facilitate the early commencement of passenger train services between Tripura and Bangladesh. NFR General Manager (Construction) Ashish Bansal has directed railway officials to expedite outstanding construction activities while maintaining safety, quality and timely execution.
According to a press statement issued by NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Bansal recently visited Tripura to inspect the Agartala-Akhaura railway project and review the progress of remaining works at Nishchintapur railway station.
The 12.24-kilometre Agartala-Akhaura railway line comprises 5.46 kilometres in India and 6.78 kilometres in Bangladesh. The cross-border connection links Agartala with Akhaura through an international immigration station at Nishchintapur in western Tripura.
The project, being implemented by Northeast Frontier Railway, is expected to improve rail connectivity between India’s northeastern region and Bangladesh. It is also considered an important component of regional transport connectivity and the Indian government’s Act East Policy.
During his visit, Bansal conducted a window trailing inspection from Badarpur in southern Assam to Agartala, followed by inspections covering Nishchintapur and Sabroom in southern Tripura. The inspection covered railway infrastructure and ongoing construction activities across the sections.
Senior NFR officials participated in detailed reviews and discussions during the inspection. Bansal examined tracks, bridges, construction progress and associated safety arrangements, issuing instructions to concerned officials to ensure that railway assets are maintained properly and that outstanding works are completed efficiently.
A major focus of the inspection was the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) along the Kumarghat-Agartala section. These structures are intended to eliminate level crossings, improve road safety and reduce inconvenience for road users.
According to the statement, 23 ROBs have been sanctioned under the second revised estimate of the Kumarghat-Agartala railway project. Contracts have been awarded for 12 of these structures, and construction work is currently underway.
Bansal directed officials to accelerate the completion of the remaining ROBs through closer coordination with the Tripura government, particularly in matters involving land acquisition and the resolution of pending issues.
Three ROBs are being constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD), while another is being undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Railway officials have been instructed to coordinate closely with both agencies and resolve railway-related issues without unnecessary delays.
For the remaining ROBs where construction agencies have yet to be appointed, the General Manager asked officials to explore innovative and modern construction methods. These include the possible use of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), which could help reduce land requirements and support more efficient construction.
The inspection also covered the Agartala-Sabroom railway section, where Bansal reviewed infrastructure, safety arrangements and maintenance activities. He instructed officials to maintain high standards of safety and ensure the continued reliability and efficient operation of railway assets.
The Agartala-Akhaura link is expected to create an additional rail connection between Tripura and Bangladesh once passenger services begin. Improved cross-border connectivity could facilitate passenger movement and strengthen transport links between the northeastern states and neighbouring Bangladesh.
However, the commencement of passenger services will depend on the completion of pending works and the necessary operational arrangements. NFR’s latest inspection and directions indicate a renewed focus on resolving outstanding construction issues and preparing the railway infrastructure for future operations.
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The railway authorities have emphasised the importance of completing the remaining works through coordination among the concerned departments and agencies, while ensuring that safety and construction quality are not compromised.
The project is expected to contribute to regional connectivity and support broader transport and economic links between India and Bangladesh. For Tripura, the planned passenger service could provide another cross-border rail connection, subject to the completion of the project and the commencement of operations.
