The suspension of the Dibrugarh–Dangari Diesel Electric Multiple Unit passenger train service by Northeast Frontier Railway has triggered protests across Upper Assam over the future of the historic Dibru–Sadiya railway route.

Historical Importance of the Railway Route

• The Dibru–Sadiya railway line, now known as the Makum–Saikhowa route, is regarded as the oldest railway corridor in Northeast India.
• It begins in the industrial and railway hub of Makum, runs through Tinsukia, and ends at Saikhowaghat near the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge.
• The Assam Railway and Trading Company (AR&T Co) laid the 95-km-long Assam’s first railway track from Dibrugarh to Saikhowaghat in 1881. 
• In the devastating earthquake in 1950, the track along with Saikhowaghat railway station suffered heavy damages. 
  • Consequently, the rail service was confined upto Dangari railway station, 8 km from Saikhowaghat.
• The railway line was initially developed to:
  • Support tea plantation trade.
  • Transport coal and natural resources.
  • Improve connectivity in Upper Assam.
• There are ongoing demands from local action committees to extend and restore this historic railway corridor to Saikhowa and further into Roing in Arunachal Pradesh.

Northeast Frontier Railway

• Northeast Frontier Railway is one of the 18 railway zones of Indian Railways.
• It operates under the Ministry of Railways.
• Headquarters: Maligaon.
• It plays a major role in:
  • Border connectivity.
  • Economic integration of the Northeast.
  • Strategic transportation infrastructure.

One-Line Wrap

The suspension of the Dibrugarh–Dangari DEMU train has revived concerns about preserving Northeast India’s oldest railway heritage route and ensuring regional connectivity in Upper Assam.

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