Indian Railways begins cargo train service linking Agartala and Ludhiana markets

Indian Railways has introduced a weekly Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) connecting Agartala in Tripura with Ludhiana in Punjab, covering 2,768 km in under 90 hours. Designed to enhance cargo movement from the Northeast, this service will facilitate the transport of perishable and commercial goods with an initial capacity of 364 tonnes, scalable to 484 tonnes in six months.

The PCET will complete four round trips monthly, totaling 313 trips over six years, and is projected to generate ₹198 crore in revenue. It marks a major step in addressing logistical challenges in the Northeast, enabling the export of goods such as tea, bamboo, and FMCG products, while importing electronics and consumer goods from North India.

Strategically focused on green logistics, the rail service offers a low-emission alternative to road transport, reducing truck dependency and traffic congestion. It also promises significant benefits for rural producers and SMEs in Tripura and Assam by improving market access and supporting agricultural incomes.

This initiative reflects the government's broader push for regional equity and sustainable supply chain development, aligning with national goals for decentralised and climate-conscious logistics infrastructure.