DEMU train service launched in Tripura as festival bonanza

Initially, four pairs of DEMU trains have been introduced to connect the North and South ends of the state for the first time after the formal introduction of train service in Tripura.

On Friday next, three pairs of DEMU will run commercially between Agartala and Sabroom from tomorrow while one pair between Sabroom and Dharmanagar via Agartala.

The NFR authority has decided to extend the existing passenger train service between Agartala and Belonia up to Sabroom besides, three DEMU engines.

According to NFR officials, at present Agartala and Dharmanagar have three early morning train services, followed by Silchar passenger and evening passenger service, besides bi-weekly express services on northward direction like Kanchenjunga, Rajdhani Express, Tripura Sundari Express, Deoghar Express, Habibjung Express and Humsafar Express.

Justifying three DEMUs connecting Agartala to Sabroom, the NFR officials argued that the northern destinations of the state have at least four train services between Dharmanagar and Agartala, apart from long-distance trains.

Since, southern towns are served by only one passenger train, the addition of three DEMU engines will raise the number of connecting trains to four and both the ends of the state will get an equal number of trains.

However, people from North Tripura demanded at least two more DEMU service from Agartala considering the flow of passenger fleet.

They further stated that due to a connectivity problem, people of North and Unokoti districts preferred to move their base to Silchar for business and medical treatment despite the availability of better amenities and living conditions in Agartala.

The NFR officials hoped that DEMU like multiple-unit train powered by on-board diesel engines will be beneficial for transportation of local passenger as it doesn’t require separate engine or locomotive, with the engine incorporated into one of the carriages.

Every passenger-carrying coach has its source of motive power fitted below the coach, which has quick acceleration and retardation making them ideal as an ideal means of transport located at short distances.