The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has launched a new Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) service between Agartala in Tripura and Sanehwal in Punjab, aimed at boosting logistics and trade in the region. This dedicated route is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate the transportation of goods like rubber and pineapples from the Northeast to larger markets more efficiently.
Operated by AVG Logistics Ltd. under a Rs 68.95 crore contract, the PCET service is designed to be cost-effective and timely. The train will run twice a month and complete 144 round trips over the next six years, with plans to increase the number of parcel vans from 15 to 20 after six months, depending on demand.
“This initiative is a significant milestone in improving freight movement in the region. It provides an efficient, timely, and cost-effective logistics solution for farmers and traders in Tripura and surrounding areas,” said an NFR official.
The launch of the PCET service is in line with Indian Railways’ strategy to promote dedicated parcel train services across the country, particularly for long-distance cargo movement. This move is seen as crucial in unlocking the economic potential of the Northeast region.
The service not only connects two distant regions, Agartala in the East and Sanehwal in the North, but also establishes a reliable logistics chain for regional producers. Small businesses and agricultural producers in Tripura now have access to a national supply chain that was previously difficult and expensive to reach. The new parcel cargo train service is expected to have a positive impact on the trade and economy of the region.
