NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): Every new train in the Northeast Frontier Railway tells the story of how the region has moved closer to the rest of the country. The region now has its first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train, which offers faster, cleaner, and more comfortable rail travel between Tripura and Assam.
The new MEMU train will operate between Agartala and Karimganj. It will replace the previous Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) service. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will run and manage the train. Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha launched the new service on Saturday.
A journey that took decades
In the Northeast, improved railway connections did not come easily. Railway services first arrived in Tripura in 1964, but the network did not expand much for many years. Changes began after railway development in the Northeast became a national project. Rail connectivity reached Kumarghat in 1990 and then extended to Agartala in 2008. Now, the region marks another milestone with its first MEMU train.
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First MEMU train for the Northeast
This train will run as 75679/75680 between Agartala and Karimganj junction. A senior railway official said that the train can carry about 3000 passengers, including both seated and standing commuters. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that MEMU trains can speed up and slow down way too quickly than DEMU trains. This allows them to cover suburban and short-distance routes more effectively. He also mentioned that MEMU trains provide smoother rides, lower noise levels, fewer maintenance needs, and zero emissions at the point of operation.
Route and timings
The MEMU train will run six days a week and will complete the 205 km journey in around 6 hours and 30 minutes. This train will stop at 23 stations between Agartala and Karimganj.
- Train 75679 (Agartala to Karimganj Junction)
- Departs Agartala: 7:20 am
- Arrives Karimganj Junction: 1:50 pm
- Train 75680 (Karimganj Junction to Agartala)
- Departs Karimganj Junction: 2:25 pm
- Arrives Agartala: 8:40 pm
Stations covered: Jogendra Nagar, Jirnia, Teliamura, Mungiyakami, Ambasa, Jawaharnagar, SK Para, Manu, Nalkata, Kumar Ghat, Pencharthal, Panisagar, Dharmanagar, Nadiapur, Churaibari, Tilbhum, Chandkhira Bagn, Kalkalighat, Patharkandi, Kanaibazar, Baraigram Junction, Kayasthagram, Nilambazar and Suprakandi Halt.
Importance of this MEMU train
Railway officials say the new MEMU service will help daily commuters, students, office workers, traders, and tourists travelling between Tripura and Assam. The service is expected to:
- Improve rail connectivity between Tripura and Assam.
- Provide faster and more comfortable travel.
- Support local businesses and small traders.
- Strengthen social and economic ties between the two states.
- Encourage more people to choose rail transport over road options.
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