Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 20 (ANI): Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Thursday wrote separate letters to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu seeking the Centre’s intervention to operationalise the international air and railway connectivity with Bangladesh.
Extending his warm wishes to the new Railway Minister for being entrusted with the charge of the Ministry for the second time in a row.
Appreciating the Railway Minister for his previous works, the Minister wrote, “Under your stewardship, we have witnessed significant strides in enhancing the efficiency, safety and reach of our railway network. Your vision for modernising railway services and implementing cutting-edge technologies has not only improved the travel experience for millions but has also contributed to the socio-economic development of our state.”
The Minister in his detailed letter listed out as many as 10 pending issues and sought the Railway Minister’s intervention for speedy redressal, in which the introduction of railway services between India and Bangladesh through Tripura was at the top of the list.
“The issues include the introduction of regular passengers & goods train services from Agartala (Tripura)- Kolkata via Dhaka, Bangladesh & Agartala (Tripura) to Chittagong (Bangladesh) through newly inaugurated Agartala (India) -Akhaura (Bangladesh) rail link. Electrification of Railway tracks from Badarpur to Sabroom Conversion of existing single-line rail track into double-line track. Introduction of an additional daily passenger train on Agartala-Dharmanagar route,” the letter said.
The letter further said, “Apart from that the minister also demanded: “Increasing the number of coaches in Local DEMUS. Agartala-Guwahati Inter-City Train services. Introduction of Agartala-Jammu, Agartala-Puri Express and Agartala Gaya Train Services. Alternative Rail connectivity from Pecharthal – Kailashahar-Dharmanagar (41.75 KM). Alternative Rail connectivity from Dharmanagar to Belonia via Kailasahar, Kamalpur, Khowai and Agartala (178.72 KM). Belonia-Feni Rail link.”
On their other hand, the Minister congratulated the Union Civil Aviation Minister KR Naidu as well. Seeking the Union Minister’s cooperation for the overall development of the civil aviation sector, he wrote: “As the Transport Minister of Tripura, I look forward to collaborating closely with your esteemed office to further strengthen the infrastructure and services related to civil aviation in our state.”
Sushanta Chowdhury demanded upgradation of the MBB airport Agartala to an international airport, “Declaring MBB Airport as International Airport & Operation of International Flights from MBB Airport as Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India has already declared the Agartala airport as Customs Check post. Extension/development and operationalization of existing Kailashahar Airport,” his letter listed as main demands.
He also drew the attention of the Minister towards the recent exorbitant hike in flight fares affecting regular flights passengers.
“Recent withdrawal of IndiGo flights on routes like Kolkata Agartala Lengpui (Aizawl, Mizoram), Kolkata-Agartala-Shillong, and Kolkata-Agartala includes flights IG7305, IG7954, IG7144, and flight 6E-6519 from Agartala to Kolkata has led to exorbitant Airfare in the sector. These flights are crucial for connecting Kolkata, Agartala, and Shillong, providing essential services. Their discontinuation invited huge public criticism. This impacts on sectors like tourism, healthcare, emergency services, education, and the overall economy of the regions involved. Therefore, these services may kindly be immediately resumed or services in those routes may be arranged to start through other suitable air operators,” the letter further added. (ANI)
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