Hailakandi : The rhythmic whistle of the Sairang-Silchar Passenger and other local trains echoing through the platform is supposed to be a sign of progress. However, for the daily commuters at Hailakandi Railway Station, this sound has increasingly become a source of anxiety rather than relief. Despite the timely arrival of trains, the simple act of purchasing a journey ticket has become a Herculean task, leading to widespread public resentment and recent protests at the station premises.
Allegations of a Growing Ticket Counter Syndicate
Every morning, long before the first train pulls into the station, massive queues begin to form at the single functioning ticket counter. While long lines are expected in a bustling station, passengers allege a more sinister pattern. It is claimed that a specific group of individuals, reportedly working for Tatkal ticket agencies, occupies the front of the line hours in advance. This alleged ticket syndicate creates an artificial shortage, leaving the genuine daily passengers stranded at the back of the queue with no hope of securing a seat.
The situation has reached a breaking point where many commuters find themselves still standing in line while their trains depart from the platform. "The trains come and go, but the tickets remain elusive. This is not just a mismanagement; it is a systematic deprivation of our right to travel," stated a regular traveler. Faced with the dilemma of missing work or traveling illegally, some passengers are forced to return home, while others risk boarding the train without a valid ticket, exposing themselves to fines.
Community Leaders Demand Immediate Railway Intervention
"We travel to Silchar daily for business and essential services. If we cannot even purchase a ticket due to this unannounced monopoly at the counters, how are we expected to survive? The railway authorities must act now to dismantle this syndicate," said Sudip Paul, Secretary of the Merchant Association and Vishva Hindu Parishad.
The protest held at the station saw participation from various community leaders and activists, including Khairul Islam, Alam Hussain, Sunny Barbhuiya, and Hilal Uddin Laskar, Secretary of the District Muharram Committee. They collectively highlighted the apathy of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials. Despite repeated complaints about the lack of separate counters for daily commuters or effective crowd management, no concrete steps have been observed to mitigate the crisis.
A Call for Systemic Reform and Accountability
The protesters have submitted a strong plea to the high-ranking officials of the Railway Department, demanding an immediate intervention. The primary demands include the opening of additional ticket counters during peak morning hours and strict surveillance to prevent unauthorized agencies from cornering the Tatkal ticket quota.
As the Hailakandi Railway Station serves as a vital lifeline for the Barak Valley’s connectivity, the residents warn that if a permanent solution is not implemented, the passenger suffering will lead to a larger democratic movement. For now, the people of Hailakandi wait—not just for the next train, but for a fair chance to board it with a ticket in hand.
0 Comments