Ensure train stop at Sootea, Gohain urged

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Nov 14: A Sootea Unyan Samitee (SUC) team led by its vice president Bhaba Saikia, members Prakash Barkakati and Hemanta Saikia today met Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and urged him to ensure a stop for some important trains at Niz Chatia Railway Station.

“…although Sootea is a place with historical significance in the district of Biswath, its people are still deprived from the availability of the facilities of Indian Railways… It was the Sootea Police Station where the tiol Flag was hoisted before India got her independence, in 1942 Sootea s a vast area ranging about 240 square km, and its total population is not less than 120,000. Besides, within the area there are several Central and State Government offices, banks and non-government institutions. There are not only two colleges, but also many schools which include high schools, HS schools, ME schools and MV schools. Moreover, with the civil military offices and a notable number of business personnel, mainly dealing with the business of tea. The significance of the place also rests on the famous tourist and religious attraction -- The gshankar Temple,” the prayer submitted to the minister said, and added: “At present people prefer railways rather than roadways for traveling and in that case, although 25717/ 15613 Guwahati-Murkongselek Inter-City Express and 15617/ 15618 harlagun-Guwahati Inter-City Express have been running between Mukongselek-Guwahati and harlagun-Guwahati, there is no provision for stopping the train at Chatia Railway Station, leading to much inconvenience to the people of Sootea.”