Agartala: Nov 15. Dharmanagar–Agartala’s local passenger train has now turned into a moving mandi, leaving daily travellers at their wit’s end. What should’ve been a simple ride to work has become a daily battle, as banana and vegetable traders cram the coaches with sacks of produce most of them loaded without tickets.
According to regular commuters, stations like Pecharthal, Kumarghat, Manu, and Nalkata have become hotspots where traders dump huge quantities of bananas and vegetables inside the passenger coaches. These goods are stacked across seats, doorways, and even in front of toilets, leaving passengers with no space to sit, move, or access basic facilities.
Several passengers shared their ordeal with the media: many said traders shut train doors using banana stems, making it impossible to board, get off, or even reach the washroom. Daily travellers from Kumarghat complained they often can’t find space even to place their bags.
Passengers allege that railway authorities have shown zero monitoring, leading to unchecked illegal transport of goods, frequent arguments, and even scuffles between traders and commuters. Many fear that a major untoward incident could erupt at any moment if the situation continues.
Rail users have demanded immediate intervention from the railway administration to restore order and ensure safety and basic passenger rights.
