Silchar, July 7: A ministerial delegation has taken significant steps towards fulfilling the long-standing request of Barak Valley residents for daily passenger train services between Mahisashan and Silchar. The delegation, which included Assam Cabinet Minister Krishnendu Paul and MP Kanad Purkayastha, met with Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in Guwahati on Monday.

During the meeting, they emphasized the difficulties commuters face due to the current limited train frequency. Minister Paul expressed optimism after the discussion, stating, “The General Manager was receptive and assured us that NFR is making efforts to restore the service, aiming for two trips daily for six days a week and one on Sundays.”

He also mentioned that the delegation discussed broader connectivity issues in Barak Valley. GM Shrivastava informed them that railway restoration efforts, especially in areas prone to landslides, are being expedited under the supervision of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.

“The Chief Minister is in constant touch with railway officials to ensure that connectivity disruptions affecting the valley are resolved promptly,” added Minister Paul.

In June, Mahisashan Railway Station was the focal point of protests, where local residents staged a rail blockade demanding the resumption of daily services between Mahisashan and Silchar via Karimganj.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, two trains operated daily on this route. However, services were reduced to four days a week after the pandemic, a change that residents argue has adversely affected thousands of daily commuters, including students, small business owners, and patients.

Strategically located on the India-Bangladesh border, Mahisashan also functions as an underutilized railway transit point. Despite increasing demands for its revitalization, its potential remains largely unexploited.

With both political and administrative support now in place, the residents of Barak Valley are hopeful for the timely implementation of the promised train services, turning public dissatisfaction into real progress.