Tripura short of essentials, rations fuel as rains snap connectivity

Agartala: Tripura may witness a shortage of essential supplies, including fuel, as extreme weather conditions continue to wreak havoc in lower Assam, snapping railway connectivity with Tripura and other North-Eastern states.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains also caused massive damage to the National Highway, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. However, authorities are making all efforts to bring essentials, especially edible commodities like rice and wheat, using national highways via Assam.

In apprehension of the imminent crisis, the food and civil supplies department of Tripura has promulgated restrictions on purchase of fuel.

“In view of the disruption in railway line near Badarpur and road traffic movement on NH-44, the supply of petroleum, oil, and lubricant products in the State are getting badly affected. As such, it has been decided to impose the following restriction on sale of motor spirit (MS) in the state by the R/Os of IOCL/HPCL/BPCL in the State from May 17,” the order reads. 

According to the order, the two-wheelers will be able to refill petrol worth Rs 200, while three-wheelers are entitled to Rs 300 and in the case of four-wheelers, the limit is Rs 1,000 per vehicle at one go.

Speaking on the issue, a top official of Tripura Food and Civil supplies department said, “So far there is no crisis of essentials in the state. We have adequate buffer stock but within the next seven days, people may feel the pinch in the market.” 

“Some parts of Assam have been affected by landslide and flood like situations. These are, indeed, going to affect our state as well. The railway tracks were washed away by heavy floods. Most of the time we purchase petroleum products and other essential commodities through railways, but it seems impossible now. We are trying to bring in all essential commodities and petroleum products by road,” he said.

The official further informed that a meeting with officials of Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Oil India was held on Tuesday to mitigate the crisis.

“We have already taken up the matter with FCI and Oil India to ensure timely management. The restoration works for the railway tracks will take at least two months and so the central agencies are also eager to use the alternative routes for the time being,” the official added.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has already suspended rail services to Tripura, South Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram in the aftermath of major landslides between Maibong and Bandarkhal in Assam until May 25.

At least ten express trains connecting Tripura have been suspended.

Also read: Landslides snap road, rail links to Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur