The launch of India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train, set to connect Guwahati and Kolkata, is being overshadowed by protests in Assam over its limited number of stops within the state. While the service promises faster travel and modern amenities, passenger associations argue that the current schedule neglects key towns in Assam.
Protests Erupt Over Connectivity Concerns
The Assam Rail Passengers' Association (ARPA) has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention to increase the number of halts in Assam. The train, which will be flagged off by the Prime Minister from Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati on January 17, currently has only two scheduled stops in Assam: New Bongaigaon and Rangia. In contrast, the route includes 11 stoppages in West Bengal.
This disparity has sparked public demonstrations. On Saturday, local units of the All Assam Students' Union and the Asam Sahitya Sabha staged a protest at the Barpeta Road railway station. They are demanding a stoppage for the new Vande Bharat sleeper and other superfast trains at this growing town, which is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas National Park, and the historic Barpeta Satra.
Passenger Association Highlights Disparity
Dipankar Sharma, the General Secretary of ARPA, voiced strong criticism of the railway's planning. He stated that the importance of some stops in West Bengal is less than that of locations in Assam like Barpeta Road and Kokrajhar, through which the train will pass without halting.
"There was a demand from passengers to announce the stoppage of the Vande Bharat sleeper train at Kokrajhar and Barpeta Road stations in Assam, but the demand went unheard," Sharma said. He further pointed out that while several passenger trains already connect North Bengal and Kolkata, lower Assam areas like Kokrajhar and Barpeta have very few options.
In a memorandum to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, the protestors emphasized Barpeta Road's significance as a fast-developing urban centre close to major pilgrimage and tourist attractions.
A Modern Train with Enhanced Amenities
Despite the controversy over stops, the train itself represents a significant upgrade for the route. The North Frontier (NF) Railway confirmed that the new-generation train will operate with a 16-coach rake, offering a total passenger capacity of 823. The coach composition is designed to cater to various segments:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches
- 4 AC 2-tier coaches
- 1 First Class AC coach
KK Sharma, the Chief Public Relations Officer of NF Railway, detailed the passenger-focused features. "Designed with a strong passenger-focused approach, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will feature ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for superior ride comfort, noise reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules, and a modern Passenger Information System," he said.
The railways maintain that the introduction of this premium service is expected to significantly boost connectivity and reduce travel time between Assam and West Bengal, marking a milestone for Indian Railways in the region. However, whether it will serve the broader population of Assam remains the central question for protesting groups.
