Ministry of Railways approves Final Location Survey for 14 km Jirania–Bodhjungnagar railway line in Tripura, boosting industrial connectivity, logistics efficiency, freight movement, and economic growth across the state’s key industrial hub.
Tripura’s ambitions for stronger industrial connectivity and modern logistics infrastructure received a major boost as the Ministry of Railways sanctioned a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a new 14‑km railway line between Jirania and Bodhjungnagar.
The survey, approved at an estimated cost of Rs 42 lakh, marks a crucial step toward expanding the state’s rail network and strengthening its industrial backbone.
Government-owned Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC) has developed Bodhjungnagar Industrial complex over an area of land measuring 535.73 acres at Bodhjungnagar in West Tripura District.
The infrastructure at Bodhjungnagar Industrial Complex includes growth centre, Rubber Park, Bamboo Park, Food Park and Export Promotion Industrial Park and a large number of various private industrial units.
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the Railways Ministry had accorded sanction for conducting a final location survey for the construction of a new line between Jirania rail yard and Bodhjungnagar Industrial complex, covering a length of 14 km at an estimated cost of Rs 42 lakh.
He said this approval marks an important step toward strengthening railway infrastructure and enhancing industrial activities in Tripura, the CPRO said.
Bodhjungnagar is a significant industrial and commercial hub located in the West Tripura district, which is the main area of the state’s eight districts. Sharma said that this area has been developed for resource-based industries, especially those related to rubber, bamboo and food processing.
The newly proposed Jirania-Bodhjungnagar section will provide a vital rail corridor for the transportation of industrial products, thereby providing significant benefits to the people of Tripura, including traders, he said. According to the NFR official, the sanctioned survey will help in promoting further industrial development work in the nearby districts, also, thereby boosting the local economy.
The project is expected to improve railway connectivity, enable smoother train operations, strengthen local supply chains and support economic growth across the region, he stated.
The CPRO said that the final location survey will cover a detailed examination of geographical features, proposed bridges, soil conditions and other engineering aspects.
Based on these findings, a comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Railways for further consideration and approval, he said. This survey forms a vital preparatory stage for the planned new line work.
The announcement has been welcomed across the state, particularly by industry stakeholders and policymakers who view the proposed line as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Reacting to the development, State Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury described the sanction as “a landmark step toward reshaping Tripura’s industrial future.”
He added, “Bodhjungnagar is the heart of Tripura’s industrial activity. A dedicated rail link will significantly reduce logistics costs, improve freight movement, and attract new investments. This survey approval reflects the Centre’s commitment to strengthening connectivity in the Northeast, and Tripura stands to benefit immensely.”
Chowdhury also emphasized that the new line would support the state’s long‑term vision of becoming a competitive manufacturing hub in the region.
“Our government has been consistently pushing for better infrastructure to support industries based on rubber, bamboo, food processing, and other natural resources. This proposed rail corridor will give our entrepreneurs the logistical advantage they have long needed,” he said.
Bodhjungnagar, located in West Tripura district, has emerged as a major industrial estate with a growing cluster of resource‑based industries. Currently dependent largely on road transport, manufacturers often face delays and higher costs due to limited freight options.
The proposed Jirania–Bodhjungnagar line is expected to: Streamline transportation of industrial goods; Strengthen supply chains across Tripura; Improve access to national markets; Boost employment and economic activity in nearby districts.
Railway officials noted that the project aligns with the broader national strategy of enhancing connectivity in the Northeast.
The Final Location Survey will involve a detailed technical assessment, including: Geographical and topographical mapping; Soil and geological analysis; Identification of bridge locations and engineering structures; Environmental and alignment feasibility studies, among others.
| Also Read: NFR Posts Strong Freight Growth in November |
Once completed, the findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report for the Ministry of Railways, paving the way for the next phase of project approval.
