Silchar MP bats for Barak Rajdhani link, new rly division headquarters

Silchar: Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya on Tuesday urged Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to fast-track a comprehensive package of railway infrastructure upgrades for Barak Valley, citing the region’s strategic role as southern Assam’s rail gateway to Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur.In a memorandum to the Vaishnaw, Suklabaidya called for restoration of the Silchar–Naharlagun service, introduction of a Silchar–Delhi Rajdhani Express, and additional stoppages at Salchapra and Chandranathpur stations for select long-distance trains.“The Barak Valley holds strategic and economic importance. Strengthening rail infra will spur growth and reinforce national integration,” he said. Demanding a dedicated railway division headquarters in Silchar or Badarpur, the MP said administering southern Assam, along with its three neighbouring states from Lumding was no longer sustainable.Suklabaidya sought replacement of the ICF coaches with LHB rakes for the Silchar–Guwahati lifeline service, along with dedicated power cars.The memorandum also recommended converting several local passenger services into DEMU operations to cut turnaround time at Silchar terminal, including the Silchar–Bairabi, Silchar–Dharmanagar, Silchar–Mahisason and Silchar–Dullabcherra routes.