Assam Rail Passengers’ Association body flags delays in local trains under Rangiya Division

A CORRESPONDENT

NALBARI: The Assam Rail Passengers’ Association has expressed strong resentment over the irregular operation and frequent delays of local passenger trains under the Rangiya Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway, particularly train No. 55801 Manas Rhino Passenger.

Dipankar Sharma, general secretary of the association, submitted an application to the DRM, Rangiya, on August 23, urging the railway authorities to address the difficulties faced by daily commuters and ensure punctual train services.

The association said Manas Rhino is an important passenger service for commuters travelling between New Bongaigaon, Barpeta Road, Rangiya, Agthori and Guwahati. The train is particularly useful for employees, students, businesspersons and other daily commuters as it is scheduled to reach Guwahati at around 9.15 am.

However, frequent delays have disrupted passengers’ daily schedules, with monthly season ticket (MST) holders sometimes avoiding the train due to uncertainty over reaching their destinations on time.

The association pointed out that the New Bongaigaon–Rangiya–Agthori section has undergone doubling and electrification, raising expectations of improved punctuality and reduced travel time. It alleged that delays in the placement of Manas Rhino at the New Bongaigaon station yard were affecting its timely departure.

As an example, the association said train No. 55801 reached Guwahati at 10.39 am on August 20 instead of its scheduled arrival time of 9.15 am, resulting in a delay of about one hour and 24 minutes. On August 23, the train was rescheduled to depart New Bongaigaon at 6.30 am, about one hour and 50 minutes behind schedule. The association said a delegation had earlier met senior officials of the Rangiya Division and apprised them of the problems faced by local commuters. However, it alleged that no visible steps had been taken to resolve the issues.

The association urged the railway authorities to review yard management, train placement and operating schedules and ensure the punctual running of Manas Rhino and other local passenger trains.

It also called for additional local passenger services in the Rangiya Division, stressing that adequate and reliable train connectivity is essential for the large number of daily commuters who depend on local trains for transportation.

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