A Train to Punjab from Tripura introduced to carry Rubber, Pineapple etc transportation to western states
In a significant move to enhance trade connectivity between Northeast India and the rest of the country, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has flagged off a dedicated Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) service between Agartala in Tripura and Sanehwal in Punjab. This initiative marks a major milestone in integrating the northeastern region with broader national markets, offering new logistical opportunities to local producers, particularly in the agriculture and rubber sectors.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR from Maligaon, the newly launched PCET service is specifically aimed at facilitating the efficient transportation of perishable and commercial commodities such as pineapples and natural rubber—two of Tripura’s prominent produce—to distant markets in North India. The dedicated cargo train, which will operate under train numbers 00832 and 00833, will run twice a month, amounting to a total of 144 round trips over a six-year period.
Initially, the PCET will consist of 15 parcel vans and one brake van. However, anticipating a surge in demand, NFR has planned an expansion to 20 parcel vans within six months. The train service is expected to significantly reduce transit times compared to traditional freight methods, enabling faster delivery, reduced spoilage for perishables, and a reliable freight solution for traders and farmers in the region.
AVG Logistics secured a 6-year contract from Indian Railways for the operation of a Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET). The train will connect Agartala (Tripura) / Guwahati (Assam) to Delhi / Ludhiana (Punjab), completing 4 trips monthly for a total of 313 trips. This contract is…
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The contract to operate the train has been awarded to AVG Logistics Ltd., following a transparent and competitive bidding process. The total value of the lease agreement stands at Rs. 68.95 crore. The award of the lease not only reflects investor confidence in the freight potential of Northeast India but also represents a strategic step in integrating private sector efficiency with Indian Railways’ vast logistics infrastructure.
This service is particularly crucial for Tripura, a state known for its high-quality pineapples and fast-growing rubber industry. Farmers and small-scale producers in the state often face difficulties in reaching larger markets due to logistical bottlenecks, poor road connectivity, and limited access to cold storage. The PCET is poised to address these issues by providing a cost-effective, timely, and predictable supply chain alternative.
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The dedicated freight service will travel from Agartala to Sanehwal, a key logistics node in Punjab, which can act as a redistribution hub to other parts of northern India. Experts believe this route will open up vast new markets for northeastern produce while also offering reverse logistics opportunities for goods from Punjab to enter the Northeast.
NFR officials noted that the project is aligned with Indian Railways’ broader policy of encouraging long-haul parcel train services to meet the growing demand for reliable freight movement across the country. Indian Railways has in recent years emphasized the use of parcel trains to promote door-to-door cargo solutions, reduce road congestion, and lower the carbon footprint of logistics.
This initiative is not only about moving goods; it’s about empowering farmers, boosting regional industries, and promoting equitable development
“This initiative is not only about moving goods; it’s about empowering farmers, boosting regional industries, and promoting equitable development,” said an official from NFR. “By connecting Agartala directly to a commercial hub like Sanehwal, we are ensuring that the produce of Northeast India finds a bigger and better market.”
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Industry observers have welcomed the development, seeing it as a step toward correcting the economic isolation that often hinders the Northeast. With improved logistics, the region could see a rise in investment, growth in agro-processing industries, and better income prospects for local producers.
As the service takes root, NFR is also expected to assess its performance and explore more such routes to further integrate the northeastern states with national and international trade corridors. In the long term, such initiatives can transform the region from a logistics bottleneck into a logistics bridge.
The Parcel Cargo Express Train project underscores the Indian Railways’ commitment to inclusive development, economic decentralization, and regional empowerment—goals that are critical to realizing the full potential of India’s diverse and geographically distinct regions.
