Tripura asks IOC to dispatch fuel by freight train

AGARTALA: Facing acute crisis of petrol and diesel due to the damaged Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH8) following heavy rains and water logging, the Tripura government has proposed IOC to dispatch fuel by freight train.

"NH8 is damaged in a long stretch at Karimganj in the neighbouring Assam due to rain and water logging. It is closed since almost two months as a result of which oil tankers cannot enter the state. So, we have sent a proposal to IOCL to dispatch fuel by freight trains," state Food and Civil supply minister Bhanulal Saha told reporters here today.

He requested IOCL to take up the matter with the NF Railway and arrange to send fuel without delay as the state was facing acute crisis.

Earlier last month, Tripura PWD minister Badal Chowdhury requested the Centre and the Assam government expedite the repair work of a portion of the highway as thousands of trucks carrying essential commodities for Tripura were stranded there.

He said about two months ago, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy himself visited the area and informed the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari about the situation, and Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had also spoken to him but things have not improved.

Government officials said a few trucks carrying essential commodities were entering the state through an alternative road which could not meet the demands of the state.