Tripura government aims supply of fuel and essential goods via Bangladesh

AGARTALA: Tripura government is making arrangements to bolster the supply of fuel and essential goods through Bangladesh, bypassing traditional routes through Assam, a Tripura minister announced.

This initiative aims to circumvent disruptions often caused by landslides and rail link issues on the Assam-Agartala highway, considered Tripura's lifeline.

Tripura recently faced a severe fuel crisis following a goods train derailment at Jatinga in Assam.

“Given the recent disruption in the railway network in Assam's Jatinga, we are developing alternative arrangements to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel and goods via Bangladesh,” Tripura transport minister Sushanta Chowdhury said.

He highlighted that the Agartala-Gangasagar (Bangladesh) rail tracks are expected to be ready for goods transportation within six months to a year.

“Once operational, this route will allow us to bring fuel and goods directly from Kolkata via Bangladesh,” he added.

Tripura chief minister Manik Saha also recently affirmed that rail service between Agartala and Gangasagar would soon be operational.

Additionally, Chowdhury mentioned that the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is constructing a large fuel depot in Sekerkote, Sepahijala district of Tripura, to enhance fuel storage.

“We anticipate IOCL completing the project within six months to a year. This facility will ensure ample fuel stock, benefiting the state during any transportation disruptions,” he said.

Chowdhury assured that Tripura has already built a substantial stock of fuel, with 1700 kilolitres of petrol and 2726 kilolitres of diesel, in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.

He also noted that the Tripura food and civil supplies department has stored adequate quantities of essential food items such as rice, wheat, oil, sugar, salt and pulses.

“Under the Public Distribution System, the state has sufficient rice for 70 days, sugar for 28 days, pulses for 22 days, and salt for 45 days. The stock of other food items, including edible oil, is also satisfactory. There should be no shortage of essential items during the monsoon, even if connectivity issues arise,” he added.