Guwahati: Despite a clear green light from the Union Railway Minister, the much-awaited halt of the 12423/12424 New Delhi–Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express at Diphu Railway Station remains a distant dream, fueling considerable anger among the residents of Karbi Anglong. This ongoing bureaucratic inertia, particularly after high-level approval, has sparked widespread criticism and allegations of administrative negligence.
The saga began when Amarsing Tisso, Member of Parliament for Diphu, formally petitioned Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 20, 2024. His request highlighted the critical need for a daily Rajdhani stop at Diphu, underscoring its significance as a key administrative and commercial hub within the hill district. The Union Minister responded favourably, expressing his support via a letter dated May 28, 2025 (No.2025/CHG/13/NFR/07/Part-1) directly to MP Tisso, effectively granting the necessary approval.
Following this ministerial endorsement, the Railway Board’s Joint Director (Coaching) issued a directive to the General Manager of North Frontier Railway (NFR) and other relevant authorities, instructing them to implement the required arrangements for the halt. However, despite these clear directives from the highest echelons, no tangible action has been observed at the operational level by NFR or its constituent divisions. The lack of progress on the ground, even after a ministerial nod, has left many bewildered and frustrated.
This inexplicable inaction has drawn sharp condemnation from various public representatives and civil society organizations, who are openly terming it a significant lapse in administrative accountability. Questions are now being raised about the efficacy of the system when even explicit ministerial directives are seemingly disregarded, particularly when the issue directly impacts the daily lives and connectivity of the local populace. A local activist, expressing the sentiment of many, stated, “It is shocking that even after getting approval from the Railway Minister, the authorities have done nothing. This shows a lack of seriousness and respect for the people of Diphu.”
As patience wears thin, residents and local leaders are now collectively urging the Ministry of Railways to intervene decisively. Their demand is two-fold: immediate implementation of the sanctioned Rajdhani halt and swift disciplinary action against officials deemed responsible for this protracted and unjustified delay. With the clamour for the Rajdhani halt growing louder, the onus is now squarely on NFR officials to translate these ministerial promises into concrete action, thereby addressing a long-standing public demand.
Read More: Assam: Forest Department Delivers Hat-Trick Blow Against Illegal Timber Trade in Sapatgram