Agartala, May 24: In a major step towards enhancing train connectivity in the Northeast, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is set to introduce electric locomotive-powered train services in Tripura soon.

This development follows a successful trial run of a passenger train using an electric locomotive from Agartala to Arunachal Junction in Southern Assam’s Cachar district, conducted on Friday. The test marks a milestone in the electrification drive of the region's railway network.

Trial operations are a standard part of the commissioning process, and officials have confirmed that additional tests are scheduled before passenger services officially commence. Earlier this year, the first electric goods train successfully ran between Badarpur in Assam and Jirania in Tripura, signaling the readiness of freight operations under electric power.

The electrification infrastructure, part of a Rs. 46-crore project launched in 2022, has now been completed across southern Assam and Tripura. With this, the region is poised to be fully integrated into India’s electric railway grid.

Electricity for the network will be provided by the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL), sources said. Once the initial trial phase concludes, regular passenger train services powered by electric locomotives will begin.

Currently, Tripura is connected to major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and Mumbai via diesel-powered express trains. The shift to electric locomotive is expected to improve speed, efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, NFR plans to extend Vande Bharat Express services to Silchar and Agartala, boosting connectivity and modernizing travel for the region's residents. With the groundwork nearly complete, the launch of electric passenger trains in Tripura is expected within a short period.