Dharmanagar: Passenger accessibility and safety at Dharmanagar Railway Station came into focus on Saturday as MLA Jahar Chakraborty, accompanied by councillors and party workers, submitted a deputation to the Station Master, highlighting two key demands aimed at reducing inconvenience faced by commuters.
The first demand concerned the use of platforms for local train services. According to the deputation, the morning local train from Dharmanagar to Agartala currently departs from Platform No. 2, requiring passengers to cross the railway overbridge to board the train.
Local residents have pointed out that the arrangement causes considerable inconvenience, particularly to elderly passengers, persons with disabilities and those carrying heavy luggage. Chakraborty urged the railway authorities to arrange for the morning Agartala-bound local train to depart from Platform No. 1, which would provide easier access to commuters.
He also requested that the night local train arriving at Dharmanagar from Agartala be brought to Platform No. 1. The MLA maintained that the proposed changes would help reduce hardship for passengers and improve accessibility at the station.
The second major demand related to the stoppage duration of long-distance trains at Dharmanagar. At present, express trains reportedly halt at the station for around two minutes, which commuters say is insufficient for passengers to board and alight safely.
The deputation sought an extension of the stoppage time to at least four minutes. Passengers have complained that the short halt often leads to a rush, particularly when a large number of people are boarding or getting off a train simultaneously.
The situation can become especially difficult for senior citizens, children, persons with disabilities and passengers travelling with luggage. The deputation maintained that increasing the stoppage time would help ensure safer and more orderly movement of passengers and minimise the risk of accidents.
Chakraborty expressed hope that railway officials would give due consideration to the demands and take appropriate steps at the earliest.
“These are practical issues affecting everyday commuters. We expect the station authorities to take immediate steps,” he said.
The MLA stressed that both demands were primarily related to passenger convenience and safety and urged the railway authorities to address the concerns in the larger interest of commuters using Dharmanagar Railway Station.
