FCC

Tripura govt to bring fuel, goods via Bangladesh

2024-05-23

The Tripura government is actively exploring options to ensure a consistent supply of fuel and essential goods by collaborating with Bangladesh, announced a minister. This strategic move aims to mitigate disruptions caused by frequent traffic interruptions on the Assam-Agartala highway and rail links during the monsoon season.

Notably, a significant fuel crisis arose in Tripura following a goods train derailment in Assam's Jatinga. With the proposed alternative arrangement, fuel and goods transportation will bypass the Assam rail links and the Agartala highway, directly utilizing the Agartala-Gangasagar rail tracks in Bangladesh.

Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury shared in a press briefing that the Agartala-Gangasagar rail link is set to facilitate goods transportation within the next six months to a year, potentially enabling direct imports from Kolkata via Bangladesh.

Moreover, plans are underway for the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to establish a large fuel depot in Sekerkote, Sepahijala district, within a year, ensuring ample fuel reserves to counter transportation disruptions. Chowdhury also reassured the public about the state's preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season, citing adequate fuel stocks and a sufficient supply of essential food items, including rice, wheat, oil, sugar, salt, and pulses, stored by the Food and Civil Supplies Department.

With rice reserves for 70 days, sugar for 28 days, pulses for 22 days, and salt for 45 days, the state aims to maintain food security even in the face of connectivity challenges.

(Source: Economic Times)