Maligaon, Nov. 19 (EMN): To fulfil the longstanding demand of the people of Barak Valley, Manipur and Mizoram for direct and convenient connectivity with southern India, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain flagged off the Silchar- Thiruvananthapuram Express in Silchar on Sat. Nov 18. Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal graced the occasion as the chief guest informed a pree note from the Chief Public Relations Officer.
The flagging off was done from Plate form 1 of Silchar station amid the cheering of jubilant locals who were present in large numbers.
Gohain in his brief address expressed his contentment over this new move and assured better train service for the people of the Barak Valley region and stated that this new train service is surely going to help the people of this region.
CM Sonowal expressed his utmost gratitude to the Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Railways Gohain for such a commendable effort of bringing a huge ease for all the people of this region by connecting Silchar straightaway down to South.
He also conveyed high regards to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for lending his support as always. He also stated that huge developmental works are still in process like track electrification, railway bridges among many others. Sonowal also insisted Gohain to introduce new train from Silchar to Saurastra.
Silchar does not only have a historical significance as an important focal point of commerce, transport, culture and politics of the Barak Valley, but also acts as the commercial hub for the people of Mizoram and Manipur.
Hence effective and efficient transport connectivity with the southern part of India was urgently needed, which has been fulfilled by the introduction of this train. This would also help the people of this region to reach the modern and specialised medical hospitals located in Chennai directly.
With the introduction of direct train, the transit time will be reduced significantly when compared to the previous system. The service will be commenced on a weekly basis with 24 coaches comprising of two GSLR, one General class, one General chair car, fourteen Sleeper class, four AC-3 tier, one AC-2 tier and one pantry car.
General Manager, N.F. Railway Chahatey Ram in his welcome address stated ‘this is a big day for Silchar as it is directly getting connected for the first time to the Southern part of the country of Thiruvananthapuram via Chennai through the medium of Railways’.
He further stated that more trains soon will be launched for ease of railway traffic in the coming time.
PWD, Fisheries & Excise Minister of Assam Parimal Suklabaidya, MLA Dilip Paul, MLA of Silchar Aminul Haque Laskar, MLA of Dhalai Siladitya Deb, MLA of Hojai and, MLA of Sarbhog Ranjit Das were also present in the function.
