AGARTALA, Dec 30 - A long cherished dream of the people of the landlocked State of Tripura was transformed into reality when a broad-gauge (BG) railhead touched the Churaibari rail station platform amidst cheers.
Thousands welcomed the BG railhead (WBC4-12272 at Churaibari railway tri-junction in North district on Tuesday.
Thousands of people had gathered at Churaibari railway station since morning to witness the great event. At 9.20 am, the BG railhead touched the Churaibari platform to fulfil a long cherished dream of the people.
NFR Chief Engineer Rabindra Ram led the train while Nepal Debnath was on the wheel, according to eyewitnesses.
After few minutes, the first-ever BG engine left Churaibari railway station for Dharmanagar. Supporters of BJP and CPM affixed their parties� flag on the BG railhead.
It took around 97 days to take the BG railhead to Tripura, which is a record, according to NFR sources. On September 20, the State bid adieu to metre gauge rail engine to pave the way for undertaking BG conversion work.
The BG rail engine arrived at Dharmanagar railway station at 1.20 pm where thousands of people welcomed the NFR team. Reports said the BG railhead arrived at Manu railway station by crossing Panisagar, Pecharthal and Kumarghat rail stations.
According to NFR sources, yesterday�s journey was successful as far as laying of BG track. After running the BG railhead, the NFR is scheduled to bring a ballast train to Agartala by first week of next month.
If the ballast train journey is successful, then the NFR will conduct CRS inspection for safety clearance. And if everything falls in right place, the BG passenger train will start running by March 31 next.
