Passengers’ Association Demands Special Puja Trains Amid Surge in Festival Travel for Assam

Guwahati, Sept. 7: The North East Railways Passengers’ Association (NERPA) has urged Indian Railways to introduce additional special trains to manage the anticipated surge of passengers during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.

In a memorandum submitted on Saturday to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Chetan Kumar Srivastava, the association warned that existing services would be “grossly inadequate” to meet the festive demand across Assam and adjoining states.

NERPA pointed out that waiting lists on key routes including Guwahati–Dibrugarh, Guwahati–Tinsukia, and Guwahati–Silchar have already started swelling weeks ahead of the festival. The association cautioned that without timely intervention, passengers may be forced to travel in overcrowded compartments, raising both safety and comfort concerns.

“Durga Puja is the most significant cultural event in this region. Adequate rail connectivity is not only about convenience but also about ensuring safe and dignified travel,” the memorandum stated.

While several zones of Indian Railways have announced Puja special trains, the NFR has yet to release its final list. Officials confirmed receipt of NERPA’s submission but did not indicate whether additional services would be announced.

Observers note that the Northeast faces recurring pressure on its rail network during major festivals. Passenger associations argue that early scheduling of special trains, coupled with improved ticketing systems, is essential to avoid last-minute chaos.