Indian Railways has launched the Northeast region’s first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train, marking a significant milestone in modernising rail transport and promoting sustainable mobility. The electric train will operate under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and replace the Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) service on the Agartala-Karimganj route.
The new MEMU service was flagged off by Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday. Operating as train numbers 75679 and 75680, it will connect Agartala in Tripura with Karimganj in Assam, strengthening regional connectivity.
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According to Northeast Frontier Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, MEMU trains provide several operational advantages over DEMU services. They offer quicker acceleration and deceleration, reducing travel time between stations while ensuring smoother journeys. The trains also generate lower noise, require less maintenance and produce zero emissions during operation, supporting Indian Railways’ green transportation initiatives.
A senior railway official said the train has the capacity to accommodate around 3,000 passengers, including both seated and standing commuters. It is expected to benefit daily travellers, students, office-goers, traders and tourists travelling between Tripura and neighbouring parts of Assam.
The MEMU train will operate six days a week and cover the 205-kilometre journey in approximately six hours and 30 minutes. Train number 75679 will depart Agartala at 7.20 am and reach Karimganj Junction at 1.50 pm. The return service, train number 75680, will leave Karimganj at 2.25 pm and arrive in Agartala at 8.40 pm.
During its journey, the train will halt at 23 stations, including Teliamura, Ambasa, Kumarghat, Panisagar, Dharmanagar, Churaibari, Patharkandi, Baraigram Junction and Nilambazar.
Railway officials believe the introduction of the MEMU service will improve regional mobility, encourage passengers to shift from road to rail transport, strengthen trade and social ties between Tripura and Assam, and contribute to the economic development of the region.
