Maligaon, February 14 (MExN): The decision of Indian Railways to introduce additional stoppages for several trains at 82 stations across Assam, West Bengal and Bihar under the jurisdiction of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has evoked widespread appreciation from passengers and local residents, officials said.
In several towns and rural areas where rail connectivity plays a crucial role, citizens expressed happiness over enhanced access to Mail/Express and premium trains. Residents said the new stoppages would ease travel for families, students, traders and patients by providing faster and more convenient connectivity.
At Dhemaji Railway Station, residents described the introduction of a stoppage for Train No. 20505/20506 Dibrugarh–New Delhi–Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express as a “historic milestone”. Similarly, Train No. 20503/20504 Dibrugarh–New Delhi–Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express has been provided with a new stoppage at Sivsagar Town Railway Station. Large numbers of people gathered to witness the first halt of the Rajdhani Express, distributing sweets and welcoming the train with flowers and applause.
The commencement of stoppages for the 15603/15604 Guwahati–Ledo–Guwahati Intercity Express at Kamarbandha Ali Railway Station and the 15467/15468 Siliguri–Bamanhat–Siliguri Express at Kalchini Railway Station also drew positive response, particularly from daily commuters and tea garden communities. At New Coochbehar, the inaugural stoppage of the 22449 Guwahati–New Delhi Express was marked by residents welcoming the train with flowers and expressing gratitude for improved long-distance connectivity.
In Lower Assam, the introduction of a stoppage for the 12346/12345 Guwahati–Howrah–Guwahati Saraighat Express at Goalpara Town Railway Station was hailed as a significant step. Residents said direct access to the intercity connection between Assam and West Bengal would substantially reduce travel difficulties.
At Nalbari Railway Station, passengers welcomed the inclusion of a stoppage for the Silghat Town–Tambaram Express. Similarly, the introduction of a stoppage for the 15769/15770 Alipurduar Junction–Mariani Junction–Alipurduar Junction Intercity Express at Sorupeta Railway Station was warmly received by local residents, who expressed gratitude for improved connectivity and travel convenience.
Across the affected stations, residents said the additional stoppages signified not only improved transport facilities but also recognition of their growing regional importance. Officials stated that the measures are aimed at strengthening connectivity and enhancing passenger convenience across the NFR zone.
