Assam Rail Passengers’ Association Advocates for Suburban Train Reintroduction and Rail Reforms

Passengers in Assam are urging the reintroduction of suburban trains to cater to the daily commuting needs of the public. In a recent city meeting organized by the Assam Rail Passengers’ Association (ARPA), General Secretary Dipankar Sharma highlighted the absence of suburban trains since their suspension during the Covid period. Sharma emphasized that the lack of these trains is causing inconvenience for common passengers across the state, depriving them of affordable transportation options.

The meeting, attended by ARPA members and various civil society groups, discussed several issues related to rail transport in Assam. Concerns included increased train fares, withdrawal of suburban trains, and inadequacies in existing train stations, all identified as major sources of inconvenience for passengers.

ARPA presented recommendations to the Ministry of Railways, proposing reforms tailored to the region’s needs. One significant suggestion was the establishment of separate rail zones for each state in Northeast India, aiming for more efficient and region-specific rail services.