Tripura CM Manik Saha flags off Agartala-Karimganj MEMU train service

Agartala (Tripura) [India], July 4 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday flagged off the long-awaited Agartala-Karimganj-Agartala MEMU train service from Agartala Railway Station, providing a major boost to daily commuters travelling between Tripura and Assam.
The new daily train service is expected to benefit thousands of passengers, particularly office-goers, traders and businesspersons who regularly travel between Agartala and Karimganj.
Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, District Magistrate Vishal Kumar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The introduction of the new train service has been welcomed by residents of both Tripura and Assam, who have been awaiting improved rail connectivity for several years.
Earlier, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thurday also held a detailed review meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi to discuss the progress of National Highway projects and future road infrastructure development in the State.
The meeting focused on expediting ongoing National Highway projects, strengthening maintenance of existing road infrastructure, and undertaking new projects to improve connectivity within Tripura and with neighbouring States.
In his opening remarks, CM Saha expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Gadkari for the remarkable expansion of the National Highway network in Tripura, which has increased from 198 km in 2014 to 923 km in 2026.
During the meeting, Saha raised and discussed several important decisions for implementation in a time-bound manner.
CM Saha has raised concerns about the alignment for the 4-laning of the Churaibari-Champaknagar stretch of NH-08 (130 km), which has been approved by the Ministry in consultation with the State Government. The proposed greenfield four-lane highway will run parallel to the railway line and include tunnels through the Atharamura and Longtharai ranges. Land acquisition for the project will commence shortly.
Chief Minister also emphasised the need for adequate drainage systems and retaining walls along National Highways to prevent flooding in adjoining habitations and mitigate landslides in hilly areas during the monsoon season. (ANI)