Start Vande Bharat after resuming the cancelled trains: Assam Rail Passengers Association

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Rail Passengers Association (ARPA) asked for the resumption of services for all the trains that were cancelled during the COVID period as well as the restoration of all pre-COVID stoppages before the starting of the Vande Bharat Express train in the region. They mentioned that the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) had cancelled 21 railway services, out of which 12 fell exclusively under the Assam portion of the zone.

ARPA's general secretary mentioned that decisions regarding the closure of services were taken based on poorly conceived data that was collected during the lockdown periods. He said, "Several railway services, including the Dibrugarh to Kolkata superfast train (12525) and commuter services including 55818, 15771, 55903 etc., caused severe problems for the regular commuters on these trains."

They also requested the restoration of the Brahmaputra Mail (15657/15658) to Dibrugarh Town, the restoration of the Dibrugarh-Ledu DEMU, and the reintroduction of the Dibrugarh-Kolkata via Bogibeel bridge. They also demanded the development of the Dibrugarh Town Railway Station to make it capable of handling all services in the city. And the creation of proper lighting as well as the shed at the platforms of the Dibrugarh station, alongside the development of the Agyathuri terminal into a passenger terminal.

The general secretary also mentioned that even though work has progressed considerably on the track doubling between Agythuri and New Bongaigaon, not even the foundation stones have been laid for the second railway bridge on the Brahmaputra near Saraighat. "Only when this new bridge is completed will the trains be able to move more freely in the region. The main line is already overburdened with the existing trains," he added.

The general secretary also mentioned that the proposed schedule for the Vande Bharat trains will not be helpful for the people of the state of Assam. For most convenience, the train should leave Guwahati at dawn, reach New Jalpaiguri in the early hours, and return to the city by night. Also, ARPA demanded the extension of the services of the train to Dibrugarh.

Also Read:  Assam: Guwahati To Soon Get Vande Bharat Train Service

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