Shatabdi Express

Shatabdi Express

The running of Shatabdi Express from Dibrugarh (Banipur) to har Lagun itself is an act of magnimity of the rendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre towards the Northeast. It seems, Indian Railways is not aware of certain ground-realities as far as augmentation of its revenue is concerned. We find no ratiolity behind putting the DEMU train motionless in Dibrugarh throughout the day and that it would do well for the Railways to increase the frequency of running this train from Dibrugarh to Ledo solely for augmenting revenues. In the same vein, we suggest that instead of moving from the Banipur railway station, if the Shatabdi Express runs from Dibrugarh Town (Old) railway station, it would definitely increase the revenues of the Railways. Many helpless citizens who like to avail of the train from Dibrugarh at the wee hours have to pay Rs 200 to Rs 300 to the unscrupulous auto-drivers who take full advantage of the timing (5 a.m.) as one should start one's journey from Dibrugarh to Banipur well ahead. Incidentally, Dibrugarh railway station (Old) is quite hassle-free at 5 a.m. The Railway authority can run the train quite conveniently much to the relief of the citizens. We are sure that once the Shatabdi Express starts from the said station, there would definitely be increase in the number of passengers. Is the Railways in the grip of certain invisible powers, say, the lobby of bus owners, that it takes the devilish pleasure in putting myriad of passengers in inconvenience? That apart, the safety of the passengers, particularly visiting Banipur in darkness should be of paramount importance as lot of anti-social elements areactive in the surroundings of the station as there is no police station at Banipur. Will the Indian Railways listen to the voice of the citizens by changing the station from Banipur to Dibrugarh, thereby taking meaningful steps to increase its revenues?

Ashok Bordoloi,

Dibrugarh.