Agartala, July 4: Tripura marked a significant milestone in rail connectivity on Saturday with the launch of the Northeast's first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service. 

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha flagged off the inaugural Agartala–Karimganj MEMU train from Agartala Railway Station, ushering in a new era of electric rail connectivity for the state and the region.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, senior officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway, and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the launch as another landmark in Tripura's railway development journey. 

Recalling the state's rail history, he said the first train reached Tripura's Dharmanagar from Kalkalighat in Assam in 1964, while rail connectivity was extended to Kumarghat in 1990. 

He noted that the pace of railway development accelerated significantly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, with the introduction of several new train services linking Tripura with different parts of the country.

Dr. Saha said the newly launched MEMU service is the first of its kind in the Northeast and also the first electric train from Tripura. 

Equipped with 12 modern coaches, the train features CCTV surveillance and improved passenger amenities, offering a safer, more comfortable and environmentally friendly mode of travel.

Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said, 18 trains, including 13 express trains and five DEMU services are presently operated from the state.

The addition of the MEMU train, he said, will substantially enhance passenger capacity, with the new service capable of carrying nearly 3,600 passengers.

The minister also revealed that the process to introduce the MEMU service was accelerated followed demands raised by passengers during a recent protest at Jirania Railway Station over the need for additional trains. He said Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha took up the matter with the Central Government, leading to the launch of the new service.

Highlighting the government's development agenda, Chowdhury said the state administration remains committed to strengthening public infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society through improved connectivity and citizen-centric governance.