AGARTALA/GUWAHATI, April 23 (TIWN): Much speculated BR train services from Agartala will be delayed by at least few months even though Tripura’s most of the media houses spread the rumours that BG railway trains to Rajdhani Express will start operation from Bengali New Year / April end itself . In some section of the media it has also been reported that BG Train services will be flagged off by PM Modi from Delhi. But replying to an official query, NF Railway clearly stated that many of the infrastructural public amenity facilities are yet to come up in Agartala-Badarpur Section. This reply has been given from the Office of the General Manager , NF Railway, Maligaon, Guwahati on 19th of April and has been uploaded in the PGPORTAL also. TIWN took upon this fact-finding exercise to ensure that our readers get the correct info about the beginning of BG railway operations from Tripura.

 In some of the Tripura's leading newspapers stories are painted that the trains like Rajdhani Express, Kanchanjengha Express, Saraighat Express , Garib Rath will start regular services from April this year but from NFR reply it is clear that train services will be delayed by a few months.

In its remark NFR stated that trains shall be introduced on completion of all the activities . ( NRF Remark attached with the news ).

 It is to be mentioned here that due to poor quality works mainly because of substandard materials used during construction platforms in Agartala and Dharmanagar stations have been badly damaged by the early rains in March.

NFR is aware of it. And before starting train services NFR and Railway Ministry will also like to assured of certain other things as well such :-

1) Uninterrupted supply of pure drinking water

2) Facilities for cleaning the trains after the completion of each journey. For this at least 15000 gallon HP water tank needs to be constructed

3) Facilities for maintenance works to be built if situation arises

4) Adequate number of staffs and GRPs to be appointed in each stations

5) Offices and accommodations favilities for the staffs and GRPs

 It is absolutely clear that Modi Gov't is keen to connect the entire North-East with the rest of India by BG rail link. But unless the public amenities are available in all possible stations especially in Tripura , NFR can't start train services.

 In this connection TIWN had a telephonic chat with NFR Officials in Maligaon Head Quarter and the official said ,"

There is a big difference in running a goods train and passenger trains. Before starting passenger trains we need 100% assurance of public facilities likes drinking water , toilets and similar other things. We are in touch with the Railway Board on a regular basis.

The engineering cell working in Badarpur-Agartala section is looking after all these things. Once they give the clearance Railway Board will let NFR know about it and then we will meet ."

The official also told that at present assembly elections of some states are going on. Naturally Model Code of Conduct is imposed by the Election Commission of India. Railway Board has already asked for clearance from the Election Commission and it is yet to be given.

He said ," On Thursday we had a meeting in Dispur and in this meeting we discussed everything. As of now trains services wont begin but we are trying to introduce trains upto Agartala as early as possible . "

The officials further stated that before starting trains NFR needs to ascertain how many coaches are to be required as coaches are not readily available . Regarding the names of trains ( as speculation are being spread by media ) the officials confirmed that the names of trains are decided by the Railway Board not by NFR .

However, the officials told TIWN that before commencement of train services from Agartala NFR will will let everyone know by wide publication of notification .

To complete the incomplete works in Badarpur Agartala section it may require one moth or more if the works are done at a great speed.

Thus, it is certain that BG passenger trains services won't start from April. Meanwhile , a highly placed sources of the Railway Ministry said that Railway Ministry is looking forward to start Rajdhani Express services in Agartala-New Delhi from Durga Puja ( October ) .

It is likely that Kanchanjengha Express that presently runs from Silchar to Sealdah may run in Agartala-Sealdah route in coming months . 

Reply from General Manager NFR Railways to Sri B.N.Sarkar mentioning delay in full phased BG operation. TIWN