AGARTALA, Oct 14 (TIWN): TIWN unmasked Manik Sarkar Govt's failures and mass deprivation by a direct question which has bowled-out Tripura's Transport Minister Manik Dey on Saturday after State has received its 5th Express train Rajdhani Express within the spare of less than one-an-half year. TIWN in an interview wanted to know the reaction of Tripura Transport Minister Manik Dey regarding Rajdhani's arrival and Tripura's benefit out of it. But sparing not a second for his neutralism in his ministry, Manik Dey just started his political utterance saying, "The train has come much late than expectation. Former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had promised about Rajdhani before more than one year". However, TIWN asked Dey, "If it was a waiting for 1 an half year, what about the 70 years of waiting that the state was deprived of Rajdhani?". Dey replied, "It was due to lack attempts, negligence towards Northeast region".

TIWN asked him further, "In case of NE Railway Development, which Central Govt (Congress or BJP Govt) has been better since 70 yrs of Independence ?", Manik Dey replied, "Your Question is Invalid. What kind of comparison is this"? 

"What is the relation of Congress, BJP with Tripura rail. Rajdhani was CPI-M Govt's demand and out of that pressure Modi Govt has given the Rajdhani", Dey added.

"Rajdhani was CPI-M Govt's demand which even after promising by the former Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu it took above 1 year to reach here", said Minister. 

"Moreover, it needs to be seen that per week how many days the Rajdhani gives the service. Then facility and safety and most importantly the fares will have to keep in mind. If flight fares and train fares are same, then what is the necessity of Rajdhani train?", said Dey.

Background of Rajdhani Express in Tripura : Tripura PWD Minister Badal Chowdhury on July-31st, 2016 during Tripura Sundari Express's inauguration (Tripura's 1st Express) asked Suresh Prabhu, "Why are you not affording us with Rajdhani service ?" On that time, Suresh Prabu said, "Rajdhani is not afforded because nobody demanded for it. So, now, after hearing about it for the 1st time, I promise Central Govt will give Tripura a Rajdhani soon". Although Prabhu wanted the Rajdhani's function in Tripura within one month but due to safety issues and other matters it has been slightly delayed but now only few days left when passenger service in Rajdhani to begin, most likely from the day of Diwali.