17/08/2026
Sri Shamsul Haque Barbhuiya has shared some vital details how RYASS (Rail yatri adhikari suraksha samiti) has been working tirelessly towards railway development of Barak valley. Plz read this :
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Rail Yatri Adhikar Suraksha Samiti (RYASS) has been working continuously since 2011 for the rights of railway passengers, better railway services and passenger-friendly railway infrastructure.
There was a time when the railway line in the Barak Valley was among the most neglected railway routes in the country. At that time, there was only one pair of passenger trains operating between Bhairabi and Badarpur Junction, even though around 200–300 passengers travelled daily from Hailakandi district towards Silchar.
The biggest problem was that the train was not operating on the route that was actually required by the passengers. In 2011, RYASS started demanding that the train be rerouted from the Bhairabi–Badarpur route to the Bhairabi–Silchar route.
After nearly a year of continuous demands and struggle, the Northeast Frontier Railway finally changed the route in 2012, from Bhairabi–Badarpur to Bhairabi–Silchar.
Since then, a large number of passengers have started using this service. Today, it has become one of the most popular passenger train services in the Barak Valley.
Demand for Another Passenger-Friendly Train
RYASS subsequently demanded that one train should leave Silchar in the morning and reach Bhairabi via Hailakandi at around 9:30 a.m. This would greatly benefit employees, students and ordinary passengers.
However, instead of meeting this demand, the Northeast Frontier Railway introduced a new pair of trains a few months ago, with one leaving Silchar at 1:15 p.m. and the other leaving Sairang at 8:00 a.m.
This timing is not convenient for most passengers and cannot be considered genuinely passenger-friendly. Nevertheless, some passengers are still using the service because of necessity.
RYASS's demand for a properly timed morning passenger service remains outstanding.
Demands for Upgradation of Hailakandi Railway Station
The infrastructure of Hailakandi Railway Station has also remained far behind the actual requirements of passengers for a long time. RYASS has already submitted several demands to the concerned authorities through the proper channel.
The major demands include:
1. Separate and improved waiting rooms
Separate and adequate waiting-room facilities should be provided for passengers of different classes, along with upgradation of the existing facilities.
2. Extension of platforms and construction of sheds
The platforms on both sides of Hailakandi station are currently too short and do not have adequate covered areas. During the monsoon, passengers are often forced to stand outside the covered portion and get drenched in the rain.
The platforms should therefore be extended as per the standard specifications of the Railway Department, with adequate sheds provided throughout the required areas.
3. Toilet facilities for passengers
Adequate, clean and usable toilet/washroom facilities must be provided at the station.
4. Safe drinking water
Adequate and safe drinking-water facilities should be made available for passengers.
5. Train Running Status Display Board
A modern train-running-status display board should be installed to provide passengers with information regarding train arrivals, departures and delays.
6. Coach Number Display System
A proper coach-number display system should be installed on the platforms so that passengers can easily locate their respective coaches.
7. Foot Overbridge at Ratanpur Road
When a train stops at Hailakandi station, the pedestrian crossing at Ratanpur Road remains closed and road traffic is also disrupted.
Therefore, RYASS has demanded construction of a Foot Overbridge (FOB) at this location for the safe movement of passengers and the general public.
Direct Railway Connectivity Between the Barak Valley and Bengaluru
RYASS has also been demanding another important service—a direct Express train from Sairang in Mizoram to Yeshvantpur, Bengaluru, in Karnataka.
A large number of people from the Barak Valley, particularly from Hailakandi district, are working in Bengaluru. They face considerable difficulties while travelling between Bengaluru and their home districts.
A direct Sairang–Yeshvantpur Express would therefore benefit not only the people of Mizoram but also a large number of passengers from the entire Barak Valley.
The Demands Have Been Submitted — Now They Need to Be Implemented
RYASS has never confined itself to merely raising demands. Since 2011, it has been continuously working for the rights of railway passengers and for better railway services.
The various demands have already been submitted to the concerned railway authorities through the proper channel and by means of formal memoranda.
These demands are not for any personal interest. They concern the genuine day-to-day needs and legitimate rights of thousands of ordinary railway passengers.
We therefore appeal to the Northeast Frontier Railway and the concerned authorities to consider these demands in the light of the actual difficulties faced by passengers and take necessary action without further delay.
RYASS will continue its efforts until the railway passengers of the Barak Valley receive the services, facilities and infrastructure they legitimately deserve.
Rail Yatri Adhikar Suraksha Samiti (RYASS)
Working for railway passengers' rights and improved railway services since 2011.
