Silchar : In a significant development aimed at improving rail connectivity in the northeastern region, the central committee of Youths Against Social Evils (YASE) has submitted a formal representation to the Chief Ministers of Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, urging them to jointly demand the approval of the proposed Chandranathpur-Lanka alternate railway route.

The memorandum was also copied to the Prime Minister of India, Union Minister for Railways, and the Deputy Commissioners of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi (Karimganj) districts.

In the letter, YASE highlighted the recurring disruption of train services on the Badarpur–Guwahati route due to frequent landslides and other natural calamities. This route serves as a vital railway lifeline for Barak Valley, Tripura, Manipur, and parts of Meghalaya, and any closure leads to severe consequences including disruption of essential supplies and communication with the rest of the country.

YASE President Sanjeev Roy, in his letter dated July 10, emphasized the urgent need for an alternate rail corridor via Chandranathpur and Lanka, which would serve as a sustainable solution for maintaining uninterrupted connectivity, especially during the monsoon season when the region is most vulnerable to landslides and floods.

“More often than not, the Badarpur-Guwahati route is rendered unusable for days, sometimes months. This results in the entire Barak Valley and neighboring states being cut off from Guwahati and the rest of India, causing shortage of essential commodities,” the letter read.

Calling for collective and coordinated action, YASE has appealed to the four northeastern state governments to raise a unified voice before the Centre and the Union Railway Ministry to approve and expedite the alternate route project. The organisation believes that the proposal, if taken up on priority, will not only strengthen connectivity but also enhance the economic resilience of the entire region.

In addition to the Chief Ministers, YASE has dispatched the memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office, Railway Ministry, and all three Deputy Commissioners of Barak Valley, seeking their attention and necessary steps.

The organisation also noted that similar requests have already been sent to all concerned authorities through emails, reiterating their commitment to the development of Barak Valley and its strategic connectivity with the rest of India.

Promotional | Subscribe KRC TIMES e-copy