Dhubri Train Station - The Rebirth

With the flagging off of the Dhubri-Kamakhya train from Dhubri railway station by Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee through video conferencing from New Jalpaiguri Railway Stadium, Dhubri district reentered the railway network after a long gap of 22 years.

Though officially it was Mamata Banerjee who flagged off the Alipur Junction - Lumding Inter - city Express Train, Dhubri-Kamakhya Fast - Passenger Train and inaugurated a Computerised Reservation Centre at Gossaigaon under Alipur and Maligaon Railway Division through video conferencing, there was no such arrangement made by the programme manager at Dhubri railway station.

Hence, the Chief Engineer of Maligaon Railway Division, TPR Narayana Rao, AUDF legislator of Bilasipara (West), Hafiz Basir Ahmed Kasemi, Dhubri Deputy Commissioner, Jatindra Lahakar, Dhubri Superintendent of Police, Dipak Choudhury, Chairman of Dhubri Municipal Board, Himabrata Majumdar and Joint-convenor of New Moinaguri - Jogighopa BG Railway Line Demand Committee (NMJBRLDC), Tazmul Hoque jointly flagged off the train at Dhubri railway station.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rao said that the railway is committed to serve the nation, particularly this part of the region with better services. “I understand the overwhelmed response and enthusiasm of the people of this area following the flagging off of the train after 22 years. I promise you better service and expect better co-operation from you to run the service safely on this route,” Mr. Rao added.

Mr. Rao also clarified that since the 66 kms Dhubri-Fakiragram BG conversion section was formally inaugurated the train would only run up to Fakiragram and back on the day itself but later it will run as Dhubri - Kamakhya Fast Passenger as scheduled.

AUDF legislator Mr. Kasemi, in his brief speech thanked the railway department for introducing the train service from Dhubri after 22 years and said that more trains were needed on this route including one Dhubri-Calcutta direct train as people of this area including those living in West Garo Hills depend on this train route.

Dhubri Deputy Commissioner Jatindra Lahakar while welcoming the flagging off of the train said that it is the responsibility of the people to see that trains run without any hindrances. “Dhubri Railway Station is the oldest in Assam and was established in 1904. So I appeal to the people of Dhubri to preserve its past glory by making this railway station clean and hygienic,” Lahakar said.

Joint - Convenor of New Moinaguri - Jogighopa BG Railway Line Demand Committee (NMJBRLDC), Mr. Tazmul Hoque while recollecting the early years of the movement for railway service said that a partial demand of the committee was fulfilled on the day but people of this area are now looking forward to the completion of the New Moinaguri-Jogighopa BG railway line.

“Earlier, the railway ministry had assured the demand committee that at least Coochbehar - Dhubri BG line would be completed by 2008 but they could not keep their commitment and later fixed March 2011 for completion of the work. We hope that they will not miss the deadline set by them this time,” Mr. Hoque added.

While referring to the threat perception to rail movement on this route, Mr. Hoque said that there has always been a threat perception which looms large on this track which had to be closely watched by the railway protection force. Many a vested interest group including a section of road transporters were up against it as it would hamper their business. Therefore, security forces and the people as well of Dhubri district have to be cautious and alert against this design and ensure that under no circumstance will the train service be disrupted on the plea of law and order situation,” Mr. Hoque further added.

Chairman of the Dhubri Municipal Board, Mr. Himabrata Majumdar in his brief speech thanked the railway department and also expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the demand committee for their intensive movement for the introduction of railway service from Dhubri.

Mr. Majumdar said that a long pending demand of the people of this area was going to be fulfilled following the resuming of train services from Dhubri

“My residence is close to the railway station and since my childhood, I played in the railway yard and also traveled by train. It really gives me immense pleasure to see the trains’ arrival and departure sitting at my residence and hearing the sweet sound of a train whistle,” Mr. Majumdar added.

“The train services will not only be cheaper but will also end the agony of the people who often face frequent bandhs, road blockades and strikes in the lower Assam districts,” Mr. Majumdar said.

When contacted by Eastern Panorama, prominent resident of Dhubri town and a retired SBI manager of Dhubri town, Mr. Partha P. Dutta said that it was a great feeling to see the train rolling on the track from Dhubri railway station after 22 years.

While reminiscing about traveling by train from Dhubri to Guwahati Mr. Dutta said, “Trains have remained special as they are the life line and therefore very close to the heart of the people of this area. People before partition used to travel by train to Gauhati (now Guwahati) and also to Dacca and Calcutta.”

In view of the growing number of passengers with each passing day, people of Dhubri demand the Maligaon railway division to introduce more trains including one Inter-city chair car train immediately.