Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury pushes major rail expansion linking unconnected districts. Proposed Dharmanagar–Sabroom corridor gains momentum as survey completes and DPR awaits central approval, promising improved connectivity, economic growth, and regional integration across the state.
In a development aimed at transforming regional connectivity, Sushanta Chowdhury on Thursday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding railway infrastructure across unconnected districts of Tripura. Addressing the Assembly, the minister revealed that a comprehensive proposal has already been submitted to the Ministry of Railways for a new railway corridor stretching from Dharmanagar to Sabroom.
The proposed route will pass through key regions including Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Khowai, Mohanpur, Agartala, Sonamura, and Belonia, forming a strategic rail link expected to significantly enhance mobility and economic prospects. Responding to queries raised by legislators Gopal Chandra Roy and Nirmal Biswas, Chowdhury emphasized that both he and Chief Minister Manik Saha are “deeply committed” to ensuring the project’s execution.
The minister disclosed that he has personally met the Union Railway Minister twice to accelerate the process. “The proposal is under active consideration. Survey work is ongoing, and we are continuously following up to expedite the decision,” he stated.
According to Chowdhury, the initiative dates back several years. The Transport Department formally submitted a proposal on January 5, 2021, for constructing a 178.72-kilometre railway line. Earlier groundwork had begun on July 24, 2017, when the department approached the Northeast Frontier Railway headquartered in Maligaon, Assam.
Providing an update on progress, the minister revealed that the Northeast Frontier Railway has already completed the survey. Based on its findings, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared for a 170-kilometre stretch, with an estimated cost of ₹3,356.5 crore. The DPR was submitted to the Railway Board on December 28, 2020, and is currently awaiting financial sanction.
The minister also addressed demands from legislators regarding improved connectivity in Khowai and Unakoti districts. He confirmed that these concerns are being actively pursued by the state government. However, on proposals to introduce premium train services such as Humsafar Express and Garib Rath to Sabroom in the immediate future, Chowdhury clarified that no assurance could be given at this stage.
Highlighting the progress already achieved, Chowdhury noted that 13 express trains now connect Agartala with various parts of the country. Additionally, four DEMU services operate daily between Agartala and Sabroom. He described the introduction of the Kanchenjunga Express from Sabroom as a milestone that once seemed unattainable.
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Concluding his address, the minister reiterated the government’s vision of bringing every region of Tripura under the railway network. He underscored that enhanced rail connectivity would not only improve transportation but also boost trade, tourism, and overall economic development. Describing the progress as the “profit of a double-engine government,” Chowdhury affirmed that efforts will continue until all districts are seamlessly connected to the national rail grid.
