Tripura completes railway electrification and plans 45 EV charging stations, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announces. The state pushes renewable energy, smart meters, and drone technology to modernize power supply. New projects aim for uninterrupted service during Durga Puja and a greener future.
Tripura has achieved a major milestone in its infrastructure development as the electrification of railway tracks across the state has been completed, with the Railway Board soon set to take charge of the upgraded network. Alongside this, the state is gearing up to boost its green mobility infrastructure by installing 45 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in various locations.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath made these announcements while inaugurating the newly constructed 33 kV Durga Chowmuhani Sub-station under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project. Built at a cost of ₹9.76 crore, the sub-station will directly benefit 10,945 consumers in the region, improving power supply reliability and capacity.
Push for Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nath stressed the urgency of shifting toward renewable energy sources to ensure long-term sustainability. “We do not have a huge quantity of gas—it is slowly running out. A day will come when it will be finished. But solar and wind power will always be there,” he said.
He highlighted the government’s increasing reliance on solar energy, both to enhance power generation and to boost revenue. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, 694 consumers in the state have already installed solar units, collectively generating over 2 megawatts of power. The state is now planning to produce an additional 15 megawatts in Gomati district, restart the defunct micro-hydel project at Maharani to generate 1 megawatt, and develop a massive 500-megawatt pump storage facility in Dhalai district.
Electrified Railways and EV Infrastructure
The minister confirmed that the electrification of the state’s railway network is complete and will soon be operational under the Railway Board’s supervision. This project is expected to significantly improve railway efficiency and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
In another major green initiative, the Power Department is working to install 45 EV charging stations across Tripura. Nath expressed confidence that the project will be completed before the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, supporting the transition toward electric mobility in the state.
Modernization of Power Infrastructure
To improve efficiency and prevent power theft, the department is introducing drone technology to detect illegal hook lines and carry out repairs without interrupting supply. Smart meters are also being rolled out, enabling automatic outage alerts to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). So far, 96,000 consumers have voluntarily installed these meters.
Nath urged consumers to cooperate with the department by reporting illegal connections and avoiding unreported usage of high-capacity appliances, which could damage transformers and cause disconnections.
Commitment to Inclusive Development
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, Nath said, “Since coming to power, we have been providing free ration, drinking water, and other facilities. The slogan of the present government is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. This government is different.”
He also instructed officials to expedite all pending sub-station projects to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Durga Puja celebrations.
| Also Read: TSECL urges customers to stay alert against SMS fraud |
The inauguration event was attended by MLAs Manoj Kanti Deb and Sapna Das Paul, Durga Chowmuhani Panchayat Samiti Chairman Bhanu Pratap Lodhi, TPTL General Manager (Transmission) Ranjan Debbarma, Power Grid Chief General Manager SK Pal, and other senior officials and dignitaries.
With railway electrification complete, new EV charging points on the horizon, and ongoing modernization of the power sector, Tripura is positioning itself as a forward-looking state embracing renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
