Tripura welcomes Centre’s approval for a new Jirania–Bodhjungnagar railway line. The project aims to boost industrial growth, logistics efficiency, and trade connectivity, strengthening Tripura’s economy and attracting future investments in the Bodhjungnagar industrial hub.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for initiating a crucial railway infrastructure project aimed at strengthening industrial connectivity in the state. The proposed railway line is expected to significantly boost trade, logistics, and economic growth across Tripura, particularly in the Bodhjungnagar Industrial Complex of West Tripura district.
The Ministry of Railways has approved a final location survey for a proposed new railway line connecting the Jirania rail yard with the Bodhjungnagar Industrial Complex. The survey marks a critical preparatory step towards the construction of a dedicated industrial rail corridor that will facilitate the movement of goods and support the expansion of industrial activities in the region.
Sharing the development on his official X account, Chief Minister Manik Saha acknowledged the Centre’s support and leadership in strengthening Tripura’s infrastructure. “Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon’ble Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji for sanctioning the new rail track from Jirania to Bodhjungnagar Industrial Estate,” Saha wrote. He added that the project would play a vital role in enhancing connectivity, improving logistics efficiency, and driving industrial growth in the state.
Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, echoed similar sentiments in a post on social media. He described the approval of the final location survey as a landmark step towards improving Tripura’s railway infrastructure and strengthening industrial mobility in the Bodhjungnagar area. According to Chowdhury, once commissioned, the Jirania–Bodhjungnagar railway line will function as a dedicated rail corridor for transporting industrial goods, reducing dependence on road transport and lowering logistics costs.
“The project will benefit industrialists, traders, and the general public by ensuring faster and more efficient movement of goods,” Chowdhury said. He further noted that improved rail connectivity would make Tripura’s industrial sector more competitive and attractive for future investments.
Chowdhury also pointed out that the project’s impact would extend beyond West Tripura. Following the completion of the survey and subsequent construction, the new rail line is expected to encourage industrial development in neighbouring districts, thereby contributing to overall regional economic growth and employment generation.
Officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) have confirmed the approval of the final location survey. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that the sanctioned survey will cover a stretch of approximately 14 kilometres between the Jirania rail yard and the Bodhjungnagar Industrial Complex, with an estimated cost of Rs 42 lakh.
Sharma explained that Bodhjungnagar is one of Tripura’s most important industrial and commercial hubs, located in West Tripura district, which serves as the state’s central economic zone. The area has been specifically developed for resource-based industries, with a focus on rubber, bamboo, and food processing sectors.
“The proposed Jirania–Bodhjungnagar railway section will provide a vital rail corridor for the transportation of industrial products. This will significantly benefit traders, manufacturers, and the wider population of Tripura,” Sharma said. He added that improved rail access would help strengthen local supply chains, enable smoother train operations, and support sustained economic growth across the region.
The NFR official further noted that the final location survey will involve a comprehensive examination of geographical features, soil conditions, alignment options, proposed bridges, and other engineering parameters. Based on the findings, a detailed report will be submitted to the Ministry of Railways for further evaluation and approval, paving the way for the next stages of the project.
The survey is considered a vital groundwork phase for the planned railway line. Once completed and approved, the project is expected to move towards construction, bringing Tripura closer to having a robust industrial rail network.
Meanwhile, the government-owned Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC) has developed the Bodhjungnagar Industrial Complex over an area of 535.73 acres. The complex houses key infrastructure such as a Growth Centre, Rubber Park, Bamboo Park, Food Park, and an Export Promotion Industrial Park, along with numerous private industrial units.
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With the Centre’s approval for the survey, the proposed railway line is being viewed as a transformative initiative that could redefine Tripura’s industrial landscape. By improving connectivity and reducing logistical bottlenecks, the project is expected to strengthen the state’s integration with national markets and accelerate its journey towards sustainable economic development.
