Supply chain remains disrupted, but no shortage of food items, fuel in Tripura: Official

Despite disruptions in the supply chain caused by massive landslides in Assam’s hill region, Tripura currently has sufficient stock of essential food commodities, a senior official said on Thursday.

Director of Food and Civil Supplies, Sumit Lodh, confirmed that the state has enough rice to last 86 days, wheat and pulses for 50 days each, sugar for 22 days, and salt for 30 days. However, he cautioned that fuel reserves are lower and would only be sufficient for the next four to five days.

“We are closely monitoring the food and fuel stock levels daily following the disruption in railway services along the Lumding-Badarpur section of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR),” Lodh told PTI.

To assess the situation and explore solutions, Special Secretary Debapriya Bardhan chaired a review meeting on Wednesday with officials from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Railways, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). 

“There is currently no shortage of public distribution system (PDS) items despite the interruption in supply. However, fuel remains a concern if the disruption continues,” Lodh added. 
Restoration work is underway on a war footing to clear debris from the affected railway tracks. NFR officials expect train services to resume by June 29.

“If connectivity is restored by the 29th, we anticipate no significant issues in maintaining food and fuel supply. But any further delay could affect fuel availability,” Lodh warned. 
The government is actively coordinating with FCI, IOCL, and NFR to manage the crisis and ensure smooth delivery of essentials.

Railway services through the Lumding-Badarpur hill section have been suspended since June 23 due to severe landslides, disrupting connectivity to Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, and parts of Assam’s Barak Valley.