Tripura govt to bring fuel, goods via Bangladesh during upcoming monsoon

From Kolkata via Bangladesh: Tripura's Transport Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, has announced that the state government is working on an alternative plan to ensure a steady supply of fuel and essential goods via Bangladesh.

The new arrangement aims to bypass the current reliance on rail links through Assam and the national highway connecting Agartala with the neighbouring state, which has been frequently disrupted due to landslides and other issues.

The new Agartala-Gangasagar (Bangladesh) rail tracks are expected to be ready for goods transportation within the next six months to one year. Once operational, this route will allow for the direct transport of fuel and goods from Kolkata via Bangladesh.

The Transport Minister also mentioned that the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is working on a large fuel depot in Sepahijala district's Sekerkote for fuel storage, which is expected to be completed within the same timeframe.

In addition to these efforts, the state has already built up a sufficient stock of fuel (1,700 kl of petrol and 2,726 kl of diesel) and essential food items (rice, wheat, oil, sugar, salt, and pulses) in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.

The Food and Civil Supplies Department has stored enough rice for 70 days, sugar for 28 days, pulses for 22 days, and salt for 45 days. The state also has a good stock of other food items, including edible oil.

According to the Minister, there should not be any shortage of essential items during the monsoon, even if there are disruptions in connectivity.

(With PTI inputs)