Photo Courtesy: NFR
Maligaon, February 8 (MExN): In line with Indian Railways’ vision to strengthen connectivity and passenger-centric infrastructure in the North Eastern Region, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off a new Sairang–Silchar train service and inaugurate new passenger facilities at Guwahati Railway Station through video conferencing on February 9.
The event at Sairang Railway Station will be attended by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, marking a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity for Mizoram’s capital region. Rajya Sabha MP from Assam Kanad Purkayastha will join the programme virtually, while senior railway officials and other dignitaries will be present at Sairang and Guwahati stations.
The new Sairang–Silchar train service is expected to provide direct, affordable and comfortable rail connectivity to Mizoram’s capital region, improve access to tourist destinations and boost tourism and allied sectors such as hospitality, local trade and guiding services. As Silchar is a major hub for higher education and medical facilities, the service will also benefit students and patients from Mizoram.
At Guwahati Railway Station, a new passenger facility has been developed at a prime location, featuring an air-conditioned lounge, secure sleeping pods with lighting, ventilation and charging points, and a dedicated ladies’ powder room. The facility also offers a restricted multi-cuisine catering service exclusively for paid users, aimed at enhancing passenger comfort in line with Indian Railways’ vision of world-class station infrastructure.
Five pairs of Holi special trains announced in NFR zone
Indian Railways will operate 1,500 Holi special trains this year to meet the festive rush, up from 1,144 services last year, reaffirming its focus on passenger convenience and smoother travel across major routes.
In line with the initiative, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has initially planned five pairs of Holi special trains, with more services to be announced. Each train will operate six trips in both directions during the festive season.
Special Train No. 05633 (Narangi–Gorakhpur) will run every Thursday from February 19 to March 26, departing Narangi at 1320 hrs and reaching Gorakhpur at 1300 hrs the next day. The return service, No. 05634, will run every Friday from February 20 to March 27, leaving Gorakhpur at 1655 hrs and arriving at Narangi at 2140 hrs the next day.
Train No. 05736 (Katihar–Amritsar) will operate every Wednesday from February 18 to March 25, departing at 2100 hrs and reaching Amritsar at 0945 hrs on Friday. The return service, No. 05735, will run every Friday from February 20 to March 27.
Train No. 05974 (Dibrugarh–Jaynagar) will run every Tuesday from February 17 to March 24, with the return service No. 05973 operating every Wednesday till March 25.
Train No. 05740 (New Jalpaiguri–Muzaffarpur) and return service No. 05739 will run every Saturday from February 21 to March 28.
Train No. 05741 (Kishanganj–Lalkuan) will run every Thursday from February 19 to March 26, with return service No. 05742 operating every Friday till March 27.
The services aim to ease congestion and connect key destinations. Details of stoppages and timings are available on the IRCTC website and NF Railway’s official platforms. Passengers have been advised to verify details before travel.
