ARPA demands resumption of 12 stalled train services in State

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Rail Passenger Association (ARPA) has sought an explanation as to why several passenger trains are still non-operational in Assam despite general easing of the COVID-19-related restrictions in the transportation sector.

Talking to The Sentinel on Friday, ARPA general secretary Dipankar Sharma said, "All passenger train services were stopped during the first lockdown on the pretext of Corona pandemic. Later, inter-State and inter-city passenger train services were gradually resumed, but the strange thing is that as many as 12 passenger train services remain stopped without any notice to the public."

Sharma mentioned that the train services which have not been resumed include: Dibrugarh-Lumding-Guwahati Shatabdi; Jha-Jha Express; Dibrugarh-Lakhimpur-Kolkata Superfast; Mariani Intercity; Alipurduar-Rangia-Kamakhya Intercity; Nahalagun Intercity; Furkating Intercity; Mariani Passenger; Dibrugarh-Makum-Dangori Passenger; Silchar Passenger; Murkungselek Passenger; and Guwahati-Rangia-New Bongaigaon Passenger.

He said that the authorities seem have no idea about the inconvenience caused to regular railway passengers on these routes, most of whom are of modest economic means. Non-resumption of these train services is tantamount to depriving the people of Assam of essential railway services, he said.

Sharma expressed dismay that neither the State Government nor various elected representatives of the people have taken any interest in this matter.

Sharma demanded that the Centre, State Government and the Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway should take steps to ensure immediate resumption of services of at least five of these trains - Guwahati-Rangia-New Bongaigaon Passenger, Alipurduar-Rangia-Kamakhya Intercity, Dibrugarh-Lakhimpur-Kolkata Superfast, Dibrugarh-Lumding-Guwahati Shatabdi and Dibrugarh-Makum-Dangori Passenger.

Also Read: LGBI airport receives ACI 'Voice of the Customer' award

Also Watch: