Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that 52 railway stations across the state will soon get new train stoppages, responding to long-standing demands for improved rail connectivity.
The announcement came during a late-night live interaction where Sarma outlined several administrative decisions and development initiatives. He said the move followed repeated appeals from residents and public representatives seeking better rail access in their regions.
According to the Chief Minister, the government reviewed the requests and decided to introduce stoppages at 52 stations to make railway services more accessible to passengers across Assam. Local MLAs will visit the designated stations on Thursday to inspect arrangements and formally inaugurate the new stoppages.
Among the key changes, Barpeta Road will receive a stoppage for the Vande Bharat Express, while Diphu and Furkating will see the Rajdhani Express halt at their stations, a development expected to significantly improve connectivity in the areas.
Several other stations will also benefit from new halts for long-distance trains. Bijni will receive stoppages for the Howrah–Kamrup Express, Anand Vihar–Northeast Express and Silghat Town–Nagaon Express. Hojai will get stoppages for the Bangalore–New Tinsukia Express and the Kolkata–Agartala Garib Rath Express. Jagiroad will see halts for the Jana Shatabdi Express and the Agartala–Deoghar Express.
Other stations included in the list are Bokajan (Avadh Assam Express), Chabua (Kamrup Express), Chapar (Sairang Express), Dhansiri (Mariani Express), Gohpur (Shatabdi Express), Kokrajhar (Saraighat Express and Kamakhya–Karmabhumi Express), Pathsala (Brahmaputra Mail), Sarupathar (Jana Shatabdi Express) and Tihu (Brahmaputra Mail).
In upper Assam and hill districts, stations such as Duliajan, Naharkatiya, Selenghat, Misamari, North Cachar, Maibong and Longpotiya will also receive new stoppages.
Meanwhile, Naharlagun in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh will get halts for the Donyi Polo Express and Lachit Express, strengthening connectivity between the two states.
Sarma said the decision would address long-pending public demands and allow more passengers across Assam to access railway services conveniently.