The new rail link will not only benefit Tripura residents, who previously avoided the arduous journey to Kolkata, but also opens up opportunities for travelers from Bangladesh looking to visit India.
In a significant development, travelers commuting from Kolkata to Agartala can now enjoy a faster and more efficient journey, with the introduction of the new Akhaura rail line. This initiative will drastically reduced the travel time between the two cities from 31 hours to a mere 10 hours, marking a substantial improvement in connectivity on the Indo-Bangla international train route. The Akhaura rail line, spanning a distance of 12.24 km, will pass through Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, instead of the previous route through Assam’s Guwahati. This alteration has significantly reduced the distance between Kolkata and Agartala from 1600 kilometers to 550 kilometers, making travel more convenient and time-saving for passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the Agartala-Akhaura railway in November last year marking a crucial milestone in enhancing bilateral connectivity. While the inauguration took place, train services on this route are yet to commence, awaiting final preparations and operational logistics.
The rail project cost Rs 862.58 crore as per official estimates. It was supposed to be completed in 2020 but was delayed because of the pandemic and land acquisition issues. The final cost is estimated to be higher.
Why is the rail project significant?
Tripura, sharing an 856-km border with Bangladesh, has long faced connectivity challenges. The state’s sole road link to the rest of India passes through Assam and a narrow stretch in West Bengal, known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’. However, the new 15-km rail link promises to revolutionize travel between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka. This development is set to significantly reduce the current 31-hour journey time to a mere 10 to 12 hours, offering a more efficient and convenient travel option.
The new rail link will not only benefit Tripura residents, who previously avoided the arduous journey to Kolkata, but also opens up opportunities for travelers from Bangladesh looking to visit India.
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According to a report in TOI, the trains running on the new line will go through security check at Nishchintpur in India and Gangasagar in Bangladesh. The new line will help in movement of freight and goods from Chittagong port to Agartala in a shorter duration of time.
As of now, Bangladesh and India have four rail links that function between Bangladesh and West Bengal. The links are, Petrapole-Benapole, Gede-Darshana, Radhikapur-Biral and Singhabad-Rohanpur. The new line will make its journey via Akhura and will connect the Dhaka-Chittagong route.
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Is the route open to passengers?
Not yet. The line for now is open only for goods trains.
