Guwahati : The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced additional stoppages for several passenger trains at selected stations across Assam and West Bengal during 2025, in a move aimed at improving accessibility and travel convenience for a wider section of commuters.

In Assam, as many as 32 new halts have been added to 23 trains, including major long-distance services such as the Brahmaputra Mail, Kamrup Express, North East Express, Kanchanjunga Express and Avadh Assam Express. Stations that will benefit from the new stoppages include Diphu, Goalpara Town, Kokrajhar and New Haflong, among others.

In West Bengal, NFR has provided 10 additional halts to eight trains, including the Kanchan Kanya Express. Stations such as Kumedpur, Old Malda and Kanki have been included, a step expected to strengthen rail connectivity across North Bengal.

Railway officials said the additional halts are intended to make long-distance trains more accessible to passengers from smaller towns and semi-urban areas, reducing dependence on major junctions and improving last-mile connectivity.

The move is expected to benefit daily commuters, students, working professionals, traders and patients by easing access to educational institutions, workplaces, business centres and medical facilities. Officials also noted that improved stoppages could help boost local economic activity and tourism in the region.

NFR said the initiative would also ease congestion at major stations, ensure smoother passenger movement and enhance overall operational efficiency. Reiterating its commitment to improving passenger services, the railway said additional halts are being introduced in response to public demand and regional connectivity needs.