The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) successfully placed the first-ever goods train at the Nischintapur terminal near Agartala. This milestone is part of the 12.24 km Agartala-Akhaura railway project, linking India and Bangladesh.
The Agartala-Akhaura railway project was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 1, 2023. Once operational, this new rail route will significantly reduce the distance between the northeastern states and Kolkata to 500 km via Bangladesh, compared to the current 1,600 km route through Guwahati.
Due to political turmoil in Bangladesh, the project could not be immediately operationalised. However, on March 24, a consignment of 11 BCN wagons loaded with cement from STAR siding at Tetelia near Guwahati was successfully placed at Nischintapur terminal, marking a major breakthrough in freight operations.
NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that the opening of the Nischintapur terminal will ease congestion at overburdened goods sheds like Jirania in West Tripura. It will provide an alternative route to enhance logistical efficiency and streamline goods transportation.
The Agartala-Nischintapur section has now been sanctioned for goods traffic after recent joint inspections by senior railway officials. The NFR remains committed to improving freight connectivity and economic growth in the Northeast by upgrading infrastructure and optimizing operations.
Funded by India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Agartala-Akhaura railway project’s cost has risen to ₹1,255.10 crore. The NFR, as the nodal agency, continues its efforts to reinforce trade networks and support regional development.
