Tripura imposes fuel sale post freights train derailment in Assam

The Tripura government has implemented restrictions on the sale of fuel, including petrol and diesel, due to disruptions in goods train movement resulting from ongoing track restoration efforts. This restriction came after the recent derailment incident between Jatinga Lampur and New Harangajao in Assam.

Speaking with India Today NE, Subrata Majumder, Deputy Director of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs on Wednesday said that a few days ago, an engine of a goods train derailed, and heavy rainfall caused the soil beneath the railway track to shift, resulting in a fragile condition along approximately 200 meters of track.

"The NFR has permitted the passage of passenger trains but not goods trains, which could affect the railway track. Repair work has commenced, and it is expected to continue until May 7th, with a review to follow. If everything proceeds as planned, goods trains will be allowed thereafter," he said.

The official further noted that in Tripura, there is only one storage depot of IOCL located in Dharmanagar under the North District, which is quite old and can store fuel for up to three days.

"So far, we have not faced any crisis. However, to prevent a crisis, we have imposed some restrictions, as fuel is being transported via trucks from Guwahati. Although the road conditions are unfavorable, trucks carrying fuel are entering Tripura. The state's daily requirement is 275 kiloliters of petrol and 365 kiloliters of diesel. If truck movements continue, there should be no issue," he added.

An order from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs states that 2 and 4 wheeler vehicles can purchase petrol up to Rs 500 per day, while vehicles with six to twelve wheels and above can purchase diesel up to 80 liters per day.