BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th December 2024: Despite numerous changes in the political and administrative landscape of Dharmanagar, the city’s long-standing demand for a railway division remains unmet. The Railway Division Demand and Development Committee is now gearing up for a “Do or Die” movement to realize this long-awaited goal.
The history of Dharmanagar’s railway line dates back to 1964, when the line from Tilbhum in Assam via Churaibari reached the city, establishing the first railway station in the state. However, the historic station has not seen the desired development, leading to disappointment among the residents. To address this, the Railway Division Demand and Development Committee was formed in the 1990s, aiming to ensure the socio-economic development of Dharmanagar and its surrounding areas.
The committee is currently led by notable figures such as Kandobya Bhattacharya, former state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Ranjoy Deb, district Congress president Advocate Ajit Das, prominent journalists Radhakanta Nath and Malay Deb, teacher leader Bappi De, and Himanshu Pal.
Over the past three decades, from 1994 to 2024, the demand for a railway division has remained unfulfilled. Political leaders have often exploited this issue for their own interests, leaving locals questioning whether any real development has occurred. “Many political leaders have used our demands for their gain, but we still don’t have the railway division we need,” said a local resident.
Before the 2018 elections, then Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and BJP state observer Sunil Deodhar promised to establish a railway division in Dharmanagar. However, nearly eight years into their tenure, this promise remains unfulfilled. The inaction of Dharmanagar’s representatives and the government’s indifference have only increased the frustration among the city’s residents.
In response, the Railway Division Demand and Development Committee has intensified its efforts. Recently, committee officials submitted a deputation to the District Magistrate and scheduled a full-fledged meeting on December 15 to decide the future plan and final course of action for their movement. “We are preparing for a ‘Do or Die’ movement to achieve our demands,” stated an official from the organization.
The people of Dharmanagar are hopeful that this renewed chapter of the movement will finally bring the much-needed railway division to their city, marking a significant step towards its development. “We believe this movement will determine the future direction of Dharmanagar,” expressed a hopeful resident.
