Former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar Demands Immediate Resumption of Guwahati–Silchar Express

Haflong, August 28: Former MLA and former Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Samarjit Haflongbar, has urged the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to immediately resume the daily Guwahati–Silchar–Guwahati Express, Train Nos. 15615 and 15616, which have remained suspended for nearly three weeks.

In a press statement issued on Friday, Haflongbar expressed serious concern over the prolonged suspension of the important passenger service and said there was apprehension among the public that the railway authorities might be considering its permanent discontinuation.

Haflongbar said he had submitted a representation to the General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway, Maligaon, Guwahati, seeking immediate restoration and continued daily operation of the train.

He pointed out that the Guwahati–Silchar Express is one of the most important and affordable modes of transportation for people of Dima Hasao and the Barak Valley. Poor tribal families, students, patients, small traders and other economically weaker sections depend heavily on affordable railway services to travel to Guwahati, Silchar and other destinations, he said.

According to Haflongbar, Dima Hasao's difficult hill terrain makes railway connectivity particularly important for the district's social and economic life. Permanent discontinuation of the train, he warned, would cause considerable hardship to ordinary passengers, especially small tribal traders and those unable to afford costlier alternative modes of transport.

“Railway services through Dima Hasao are not merely a means of transportation; they are an important lifeline connecting the hill district with the Barak Valley and Guwahati,” he said.

Haflongbar appealed to the NFR and the Government of India to consider the larger public interest and take immediate steps to resume Train Nos. 15615/15616 and ensure their continued daily operation.

He expressed hope that the railway authorities would respond positively to the concerns of the people and restore the essential passenger service at the earliest.