Guwahati: With Assam’s rail routes now almost fully electrified, making efficient Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train operations possible, the Assam Rail Passengers Association (ARPA) has appealed to railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce electric suburban rail services in and around Guwahati.Thousands of daily commuters from towns, including Bongaigaon, Barpeta Road, Nalbari, Rangiya, Nagaon, Jagiroad and Goalpara, travel 50-150 km to Guwahati for work, education, healthcare and office-related needs.ARPA general secretary Dipankar Sharma on Saturday said without reliable rail connectivity, they are forced to depend on road travel lasting three to five hours, often affected by poor road conditions, monsoon floods and accidents, leading to daily hardship and loss of productive time.Sharma, in a letter to Vaishnaw, wrote, “As the gateway to the northeast, Guwahati serves as the economic, educational and healthcare hub for millions across the region. However, in the absence of dedicated suburban rail services, thousands of daily commuters from surrounding districts of Guwahati city have been left in a state of perpetual struggle, forcing them to rely on overcrowded buses, exorbitantly charged taxis, or private vehicles amid worsening traffic and rising fuel costs. This not only eroded their hard-earned livelihoods but also hampers the region’s overall developments. Hence we urge introduction of frequent, affordable EMU/MEMU (Mainline EMU) suburban trains to bridge this critical gap.”In the absence of suburban trains, many students attending Gauhati University, its affiliated colleges, and other higher educational institutions are having to stay in hostels or rented accommodation, which is often unaffordable for those from economically weaker backgrounds.“Existing passenger trains offer some connectivity, but their limited frequency and timings fail to meet peak-hour demands, leaving commuter stranded or opting for costlier alternatives,” Sharma added.ARPA said suburban rail services are not merely a convenience but a lifeline. “Suburban rails could decongest NH-27, NH-37 and NH-15, reduce carbon emissions, and unlock opportunities in sectors like tea trading, agro-processing and IT service,” the letter read.
