Tripura explores Bangladesh route for fuel and goods supply during monsoons

Agartala: Tripura's government is actively investigating an alternative route through neighbouring Bangladesh to strengthen the supply chain for gasoline and vital products, state government officials confirmed earlier this week. The move is meant to alleviate delays caused by transportation issues, particularly the current fuel crisis created by a cargo train derailment in Assam's Jatinga.

The northeastern state's supply network is primarily reliant on the Assam-Agartala national highway and rail linkages, but landslides frequently cause problems during the monsoon season. In response to these problems, the government is working on developing an alternate route across Bangladesh that avoids regular rail and road connections.

Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced plans to utilise the Agartala-Gangasagar rail tracks in Bangladesh for goods transportation within the next six months to one year. This initiative would enable the direct movement of fuel and goods from Kolkata via Bangladesh, ensuring a more reliable and efficient supply chain.

Chief Minister Manik Saha has also expressed excitement about the upcoming launch of the rail service between Agartala and Gangasagar, which will improve communication between the two regions.

Chowdhury highlighted the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd's (IOCL) efforts to construct a substantial fuel depot in Sepahijala district's Sekerkote, aimed at enhancing fuel storage capacity. The completion of this project within the next six months to one year is expected to bolster Tripura's fuel reserves, providing resilience against transportation disruptions.

Moreover, the state government has stockpiled an ample supply of fuel and essential food items, including rice, wheat, oil, sugar, salt, and pulses, in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season.

Notablt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the rail link between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh last year in November. It serves to re-establish connectivity between Bangladesh and India’s northeast through Tripura.

ALSO READ: Asian Development Bank approves Rs 1,053 crore loan to modernize Sikkim’s power infrastructure