The first local passenger train on the Dharmanagar–Agartala route has effectively turned into an unofficial goods train, causing daily suffering for regular commuters.
Due to the unchecked activities of banana and vegetable traders, large quantities of goods are being transported on this passenger train without tickets, severely inconveniencing the travelling public.
Despite passengers purchasing tickets at the designated fare, they are being forced to endure severe discomfort. Reports indicate that at stations like Pecharthal, Kumarghat, Manu and Nalkata, groups of unscrupulous traders load huge quantities of bananas and vegetables onto the train every day, transporting them to Agartala.
These goods are piled up in passenger seating areas, near doors, and even in front of toilets, leaving passengers struggling to sit, move, or access essential facilities. Many have stated that simply reaching the washroom becomes extremely difficult.
Passengers have complained that bunches of bananas are used to block the train doors, making boarding and disembarking challenging. Some regular commuters from Kumarghat say they cannot even find space to keep their own bags due to the heavy load of goods occupying the compartments.
According to the passengers, railway authorities are showing little to no monitoring, resulting in the issue continuing unchecked. They also point out that there is no proper channel to lodge complaints.
Frequent arguments and scuffles between passengers and traders have become common due to the illegal transport of goods. There is growing concern that a serious untoward incident may occur if immediate steps are not taken.
Passengers are urging the railway authorities to intervene without delay to ensure safety, proper service, and a hassle-free travel experience.