MP Silchar Demands Railway Division in Cachar, Writes to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Silchar Member of Parliament Parimal Shuklabaidya has submitted a detailed proposal to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking urgent modernisation and expansion of railway infrastructure in Barak Valley, highlighting administrative gaps, outdated services and persistent congestion issues affecting the region.

In a formal letter addressed to the minister, the MP stressed that Silchar serves as the main rail gateway to southern Assam and the neighbouring states of Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur. Despite its strategic importance, he said the region continues to suffer from operational inefficiencies and inadequate infrastructure.

Among the key demands, Shuklabaidya called for the establishment of a dedicated railway division headquartered at Silchar or Badarpur. He argued that managing the area from Lumding is impractical due to the distance and the landslide-prone Barail Range, which often disrupts connectivity. A local division, he said, would enable faster decision-making and better disaster response.

He also urged the Railways to upgrade the Silchar Guwahati service, Train No. 15616, by replacing ageing ICF coaches with safer and more comfortable LHB rakes. The MP stated that modern coaches are essential to improve passenger safety and travel quality on the route, which functions as the region’s lifeline.

Addressing traffic congestion, the MP pointed out frequent bottlenecks at the Badarpur railway gate near the Sidheswar Mandir flyover. He proposed either a realignment of the track or the construction of a Road Over Bridge to reduce delays that affect commuters, emergency services and commercial vehicles.

To improve efficiency in local operations, he recommended converting several passenger trains into Diesel Electric Multiple Unit services. These include the Silchar Bhairabi, Silchar Dharmanagar, Silchar Mahisason and Silchar Dullabchera routes. According to the proposal, DEMU rakes would reduce turnaround time and improve service reliability.

The letter also sought restoration of the Silchar Naharlagun train, introduction of a Silchar Delhi Rajdhani Express, and additional stoppages at Salchapra and Chandranathpur stations for selected trains to enhance regional connectivity.

Highlighting staff welfare concerns, the MP requested immediate renovation of railway offices and facilities at Silchar station. He cited poor building conditions, lack of potable water, incomplete staff quarters and drainage problems that affect railway employees.

Additionally, he proposed the development of an alternative railway line between Moinarband, Chandranathpur and Lanka to strengthen network capacity and ensure uninterrupted operations during natural disruptions.

Shuklabaidya stated that improving railway infrastructure in Barak Valley would boost economic growth, enhance connectivity and contribute to national integration. He urged the Railway Ministry to examine the proposals on priority.