The Sabroom–Sealdah Kanchenjungha Express will now halt at Jolaibari and Belonia railway stations, fulfilling a long-standing demand of local residents. 

The new stoppages were inaugurated today through separate events at both stations.

At Jolaibari Railway Station, Cooperative Minister Shuklacharan Noatia formally flagged off the train at 5:30 am. In his address, Noatia said the move would benefit residents of Jolaibari and adjoining areas, improving connectivity within Tripura and to other states. He highlighted ongoing state and central government initiatives to strengthen Tripura’s road, rail and air links, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha for the decision.

The event was attended by Jolaibari Panchayat Samiti Chairman Tapas Dutta, Jolaibari BAC Chairman Ashok Mag, Shantirbazar Pur Parishad Vice-Chairperson Satyabrata Saha, Shantirbazar Subdivision Administrator Manoj Pal, and officials of the North East Frontier Railway.

At Belonia Railway Station, MP Rajiv Bhattacharya presided over a separate inauguration, noting that the stoppage had been a persistent public demand. He credited the state government’s appeal to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the approval, and said the decision was a gift to the people on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day. Bhattacharya praised the Centre’s focus on the North East since 2014, citing significant upgrades in transportation infrastructure.

South Tripura Zilla Parishad President Deepak Dutta said residents of Rajnagar, Rishyamukh, Shantirbazar and other areas would also benefit from the new facility, which is expected to boost both passenger travel and commercial exchanges.