Railway Neglect Fuels Anger in Assam’s Border Town

In a powerful display of public dissent, hundreds of residents from Mahisasan, Sribhumi, and surrounding areas launched a ‘Rail Roko’ protest at Mahisasan Railway Station — the last Indian station on the India-Bangladesh border — demanding the immediate restoration of regular passenger train services to Silchar via Karimganj.

The protest began early Monday morning around 8 AM, with demonstrators staging a sit-in on the tracks, blocking train number 55685 (Mahisasan–Silchar) and bringing operations to a complete halt. Local organisations, students, elderly residents, and daily commuters joined forces, alleging that their longstanding demands have been ignored by the authorities.

COVID Suspension Continues, No Full Restoration Yet

Train services along this 60-kilometre stretch were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary measure. However, even years later, only four trains per week now operate — two in the morning (Monday, Friday) and two in the evening (Thursday, Saturday). Before the pandemic, two trains ran daily, offering vital connectivity to thousands.

“We’re not demanding anything new — just the restoration of what we already had,” said a protestor. “Without proper train services, students can’t reach schools, patients can’t reach hospitals, and people are forced to spend double on road transport.”

Heavy Security Presence, Scuffle Reported

Anticipating unrest, authorities deployed a large number of personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Assam Police, and paramilitary forces. Tensions flared when police tried to remove protestors from the tracks and the front of the train engine. A brief scuffle ensued, during which some women protestors reportedly suffered minor injuries.

Growing Pressure on the Railways

Locals allege that repeated representations to the railway department over the last few years have gone unheard, leaving thousands cut off from affordable and accessible transport.

“This line was our lifeline. Since COVID, we've been cut off. How long will we remain invisible to the Railway Ministry?” asked a Sribhumi resident.

The Mahisasan–Silchar route connects key towns in southern Assam, and the lack of daily trains has severely disrupted livelihoods, education, and healthcare access in the region.

Protest Withdrawn After Assurances

Senior officials from Badarpur Railway Junction arrived at the scene as mediators and assured the crowd that their demands would be communicated to higher authorities in Delhi within a week. Following this assurance, the protest — which had started at 8 AM — was called off by late morning.

However, protestors warned that if no concrete steps are taken, larger demonstrations could follow in the coming weeks.

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