The Railway Ministry has begun feasibility studies for a proposed weekly special train between Agartala and Haridwar, following MP Biplab Deb’s request. The move aims to boost connectivity for pilgrims, tourists, and Tripura residents, reflecting a significant step toward national integration and improved transport infrastructure in the Northeast.
The long-cherished aspiration of introducing a direct railway connection between Agartala and Haridwar is closer to realization, thanks to a recent positive development from the Ministry of Railways. In response to public demand, West Tripura Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has confirmed that the Railway Ministry is now actively considering the proposal for a weekly special train linking the capital of Tripura with the revered pilgrimage town of Haridwar.
In an official communication dated July 24, 2025, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the request and revealed that the Ministry has initiated an operational feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of launching the new service. This follows a formal request submitted by MP Biplab Kumar Deb on July 19, 2025, where he highlighted the socio-economic importance of such a train service for the people of Tripura.
“I sincerely thank the Railway Minister for taking this matter forward and prioritizing the needs of Tripura’s people,” Deb said in a public statement. “The train will be a boon for those traveling to religious and tourist destinations in northern India.”
The proposed train service is expected to serve not only pilgrims but also tourists and residents of Tripura who frequently travel to North India for both spiritual and personal reasons. Haridwar, situated in the state of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s holiest cities, drawing millions of devotees and spiritual seekers annually. A direct train from Agartala would substantially ease the journey for many residents of the northeastern state, who currently must navigate multiple transfers and long hours of travel to reach northern destinations.
According to Ministry sources, officials have been tasked with assessing logistics, route availability, and scheduling feasibility. Once the operational study is complete and all logistical aspects are reviewed, the Ministry is expected to take further steps toward launching the service.
The initiative is being widely appreciated by the public, who see it as a step toward better national integration and improved transport accessibility for Tripura. The northeastern state, despite significant development strides in recent years, still faces connectivity challenges due to its geographical isolation. The introduction of a direct rail link to Haridwar is expected to alleviate some of these challenges while promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
This development also signals the central government’s continued focus on boosting connectivity in the Northeast, a region that has historically been underserved in terms of rail and road infrastructure. With the government’s emphasis on transforming the region into a “Gateway to Southeast Asia,” such projects are crucial in integrating the Northeast with the broader national infrastructure network.
MP Deb’s advocacy for this rail link is in line with his consistent efforts to bring attention to the infrastructural needs of Tripura. As both a former Chief Minister and a current parliamentarian, Deb has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of Tripura’s developmental priorities at the national level.
While the operational feasibility assessment is still underway, public anticipation is high. Residents are hopeful that this long-pending demand will soon materialize into a weekly special train that not only saves time and effort but also symbolizes the growing attention being paid to the Northeast’s connectivity and development.
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As the Ministry continues its assessment and deliberations, the people of Tripura wait with cautious optimism, seeing in this proposal the promise of easier travel, stronger cultural ties, and renewed national inclusion.
