Tripura: Passenger protest at Jirania Station halts two Trains over shortage of Coaches

Daily commuters staged a mass protest at Jirania Railway Station on Monday morning, accusing the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) of negligence in providing adequate coaches. The agitation led to the blockade of two passenger trains — the Agartala–Karimganj service and the Dharmanagar–Agartala train — causing severe disruption for hundreds of travelers.

According to reports, the Agartala–Karimganj train departed with only five coaches, already overcrowded from Agartala station. By the time it reached Jirania via Jogendranagar, passengers waiting at the station found it impossible to board despite holding valid tickets. Frustrated commuters stopped the train, and simultaneously blocked the Dharmanagar–Agartala passenger service.

Eyewitnesses said the situation had become so dire that some passengers were forced to climb onto the engine due to lack of space inside the compartments.

Police and GRP officials rushed to the spot and began discussions with the protesters, but the blockade continued for hours. As of 10:10 am, both trains remained stranded at Jirania station.

The protesters alleged that the railway authorities have consistently failed to match coach availability with passenger demand, forcing commuters to endure daily hardship. They demanded an immediate increase in the number of coaches to ease congestion.

Demonstrators declared that they would not withdraw their agitation until they received firm assurances of a permanent solution and adequate coach allocation. Meanwhile, the blockade left office-goers, government employees, and regular passengers stranded, highlighting the urgent need for corrective measures.