Agartala, December 12, 2024: Despite decades of political promises and administrative restructuring, aspiration of Tripura’s Dharmanagar in north district for a dedicated railway division remains unfulfilled, deepening public frustration. Now, the Railway Division Demand and Development Committee (RDDDC) is mobilizing for a “Do or Die” movement to bring attention to this long-standing issue.

The railway journey in Dharmanagar began in 1964, establishing the city as the gateway to Tripura via the Tilbhum-Churaibari route from Assam. Dharmanagar holds the distinction of hosting the state’s first railway station. However, the station’s infrastructure and facilities have seen minimal upgrades, leaving the city’s residents disillusioned.

“Dharmanagar’s railway station is a symbol of our city’s historic significance. Yet, its development has been overlooked time and again,” said Radhakanta Nath, a journalist and member of the RDDDC.

In response to the growing discontent, the RDDDC was established in the 1990s as a non-political body aiming to foster socio-economic progress in Dharmanagar and surrounding areas. The committee includes eminent figures such as former BJP state president Ranjoy Deb, district Congress president Advocate Ajit Das, and journalist Malay Deb.

Over three decades, from 1994 to 2024, the committee has spearheaded efforts to fulfill the city’s railway division demand. However, political promises have yet to translate into action.

Before the 2018 elections, then-Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and BJP state observer Sunil Deodhar assured Dharmanagar of a railway division during a public rally. Six years later, the promise remains unfulfilled. “This is not just a failure of governance but a betrayal of public trust,” said Himanshu Pal, another RDDDC leader.

Many residents accuse political leaders of leveraging Dharmanagar’s development issues for electoral gains while ignoring tangible progress. “Where is the development we were promised?” questioned a local resident, echoing the sentiment of many in the city.

The RDDDC is intensifying its activities, recently submitting a deputation to the District Magistrate and planning a pivotal meeting on December 15. “This meeting will determine our final course of action. The time for passive appeals is over,” emphasized Kandobya Bhattacharya, a committee leader.

An RDDDC official revealed that the committee is preparing for a “Do or Die” movement to escalate pressure on the administration. “The people of Dharmanagar are tired of waiting. We are determined to make our voices heard,” the official added.

As the city awaits the outcome of the committee’s next steps, hopes are high that this renewed movement will finally steer Dharmanagar toward its long-awaited progress. “This is about our city’s future. We will not stop until our demand is met,” declared Bappi Dey, a teacher and RDDDC member.