Agartala, Nov 8 :The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced special train services on key routes in Tripura to facilitate the movement of thousands of devotees expected to visit the historic Tripurasundari Temple at Matabari during the three-day Diwali festival.
The special arrangements aim to ensure smooth and convenient transportation for pilgrims travelling from different parts of the state to the renowned shrine at Udaipur in Gomati district, one of the country's revered Shakti Peethas.
Welcoming the initiative, Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury described the additional services as a timely and people-centric measure, saying they would make festival travel safer and more convenient.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Manik Saha and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for facilitating the special train services during one of Tripura's largest religious gatherings.
Under the special operational plan, unreserved trains will operate on the Agartala-Sabroom and Agartala-Dharmanagar routes on November 8, 9 and 10.
On the Agartala-Sabroom section, a special service operated on November 8, departing from Agartala in the evening and returning from Sabroom later at night. Additional services have been scheduled for November 9 and 10 to provide daytime connectivity between the state capital and southern Tripura.
Similarly, special trains will run on the Agartala-Dharmanagar route on November 9 and 10 to facilitate pilgrims travelling from northern districts.
The trains will halt at several important stations, including Udaipur, providing easier access to the Matabari temple. Railway authorities have arranged additional passenger capacity, including modern coaches on the Dharmanagar route, to accommodate the anticipated rush.
Officials expect the additional services to reduce congestion on regular trains and provide a reliable travel option during the festival period.
The annual Matabari Diwali festival, held at the Tripurasundari Temple, attracts lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country and neighbouring Bangladesh.
Chowdhury expressed hope that the blessings of Maa Tripura Sundari would bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all, adding that the special arrangements reflected coordinated efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage for devotees.
