Agartala: The Tripura-Assam Vande Bharat train service between Agartala and Guwahati will commence in 2026, as funds for the project have already been earmarked in the Union Budget presented on February 1, Union Minister of State for Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said on Tuesday.
Addressing reporters at the BJP state headquarters here, Sahu said the budget provides Rs 11,486 crore for the expansion of the railway network in the Northeast.
He noted that railway electrification in the region has been completed and that the proposed semi-high-speed service linking Agartala and Guwahati is slated for introduction next year.
The minister said railway connectivity in the Northeast has witnessed a significant increase in allocations since the BJP-led government assumed office at the Centre.
Highlighting other provisions, Sahu said the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has been granted Rs 6,281.30 crore, the highest allocation so far. He added that Tripura is poised to become the focal point of a proposed Buddhist corridor project.
Referring to welfare measures for tribal communities, the minister said 15 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools would be set up and 700 hostels constructed for Scheduled Tribe students.
He also stated that the Agartala-Akhaura railway line has been completed and that a logistics hub is being developed at Sabroom in South Tripura.
Sahu described the Union Budget 2026 as a roadmap aimed at strengthening infrastructure in Tripura and moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat. He said adequate financial support has been provided for sectors such as agarwood, agriculture, and self-help groups.
The minister elaborated on allocations under various sectors and expressed confidence that the budget would accelerate development initiatives in the state as well as the broader North East region.
