Demand for New Railway Division in Silchar Grows Stronger
Call for Establishing a Railway Division in Silchar
Silchar, Feb 5: During the Zero Hour in Parliament, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha strongly advocated for the creation of a dedicated railway division in Silchar, emphasizing the increasing operational strain on the Lumding Division and the strategic significance of southern Assam.
Purkayastha drew the attention of both the House and the Union Railway Minister, noting that the Lumding Railway Division, which was established in 1969, has experienced significant growth in its jurisdiction and workload over the years.
He pointed out that with the complete transition to broad gauge by 2015 and the introduction of several new sections, the division is now functioning well beyond its manageable capacity.
Additionally, he highlighted the proposed Trans-Asian Railway Network, which is anticipated to enhance international freight and passenger traffic through southern Assam, thereby placing further strain on the current divisional framework.
Addressing regional issues, Purkayastha remarked, “Railway services in this region often face interruptions during the monsoon season due to landslides and flooding, which emphasizes the necessity for closer administrative oversight to ensure passenger safety and smoother operations.”
He reminded the assembly that in 2012, the Railway Board had issued a notification to establish new railway divisions in Silchar and Jammu.
“While the Jammu Division commenced operations in January 2025, the Silchar Division has yet to be created, despite the availability of appropriate land,” he asserted.
Purkayastha described Silchar as a key urban and administrative center in southern Assam, equipped with strong civic amenities, healthcare and educational institutions, air connectivity, and infrastructure. He noted that the forthcoming Lanka-Silchar line, which will intersect the Arunachal-Imphal line at Dudhpatil near Silchar, makes this location particularly suitable for a new division.
He urged the Railway Minister to sympathetically consider this request and take prompt action to establish a railway division at Dudhpatil near Silchar, which would benefit operational efficiency, regional development, national integration, and enhance strategic connectivity in the Northeast.