Only train that plies from Balurghat to Siliguri suspended

Balurghat: Balurghat-Siliguri Intercity Express, the only train that runs between Balurghat and Siliguri will remain suspended from May 18 to May 25 for repairs and maintenance of track.

This was recently announced by Northeast Frontier Railway authorities in a statement.

Notably, the train remained suspended from May 8 to May 16 for maintenance. A large number of people could be affected because of the prolonged suspension of railway services between Balurghat and Siliguri. Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction and resentment over the recent decision of railways.

"Earlier this month, the train was cancelled for nine days for repair works. After restoring the services on May 17 it was again suspended for another eight days. There is no other train to ferry passengers between Balurghat and Siliguri route," said local resident Anup Chakraborty. Balurghat resident Manik Chowdhury said: "Several thousands of passengers take the Balurghat and Siliguri route on a daily basis. Passengers should raise their voice against the decision of railways."

People who made travel plans between Balurghat and Siliguri or the northeast over the next eight days will be severely inconvenienced because of the cancellation.

"I had to visit Siliguri on Monday (May 20). I had to cancel my Siliguri tour on May 11 earlier," said local resident Koushik Banerjee.