GUWAHATI, Aug 08: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has demanded the Railway Board to prioritise local youth in the recruitment of railway services under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Gogoi met with Railway Board chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha to present a comprehensive list of demands aimed at significantly improving rail connectivity in Assam and the entire Northeast.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for enhanced railway infrastructure to facilitate economic growth, development, and connectivity in the region.

“The vacancies within the NFR Zone should be filled by candidates from the local areas, which would provide better job opportunities for the youth in these regions, given the vast area with distinct geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions,” Gogoi said in a formal letter to the Railway Board chairperson.

“I urge the Railway Board to prioritise the development of railway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast. By addressing these issues, the government can significantly contribute to the socio-economic progress of the region and improve the lives of millions of people,” Gogoi also said.

Gogoi also abdicated for exclusion of Katihar Railway Division from NFR and said the NFR Zone should start from New Jalpaiaaguri railway station.

“I am proposing that the areas under the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Katihar be excluded from the NFR Zone and that the NFR Zone should start after NJP Station and onwards to Guwahati,” Gogoi said.

“While acknowledging the efforts of the NFR, I believe that the Northeast’s unique geographical, topographical, and developmental challenges necessitate a dedicated railway zone. The Northeast is a vast region with distinct geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. It comprises eight states, each with its specific railway needs.

Currently, the NFR is overburdened, leading to inefficiencies in operations, maintenance, and resource allocation,” the MP also said.

The MP emphasised the crucial role that railways play in the socio-economic development of Assam and the Northeast. He stated that the region continues to face significant challenges in terms of rail infrastructure, including limited connectivity, outdated facilities, and inadequate passenger and freight services.

“The region, despite its immense potential continues to be severely underserved in terms of railway connectivity. I believe that addressing the railway issues in Assam and the Northeast is imperative for the overall development of the region” he said.

He added that train routes to and from the Northeast, India’s farthest region, are excessively long with numerous stops. This significantly increases travel time. To expedite journeys, routes need rationalisation and priority needs to be given to Northeast-bound trains.

In response, Railway Board chairperson Varma-Sinha assured that the demands will be given serious consideration.

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