Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has decided to resume the services of the passenger train between Haldibari and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) from Monday for the first time after the lockdown, evoking mixed response among thousands who commute daily between Siliguri and Jalpaiguri.

From Monday, the railways have decided to charge a flat fare of Rs 35 for any destination on the 70km route. Earlier, the fare between Haldibari and NJP stations was Rs 15. The fare between Jalpaiguri and NJP was Rs 10. Reservation has been made mandatory for passengers,

Earlier, the Haldibari-NJP passenger ran four times a day from both ends daily. Now, it will run twice from both ends (NJP and Haldibari) in a day as a special train.

The railways had stopped the train in the wake of the pandemic but the clamour for resumption of the service had grown louder in recent days. The railways agreed, but with new terms.

Bikash Das, working president of Jalpaiguri District Chamber of Commerce, pointed out the difference in fares. “From Jalpaiguri to NJP, the old fare was Rs 10, and now it will be Rs 35 which we believe is an extra burden for many poor passengers. Also, reservation is now mandatory. Those who can’t get a confirmed reservation can’t board the train,” Das said.

He added they wanted “the train to run like a local train”.

“Why should a passenger have to pay flat and high fares? Also, it is illogical to make reservations mandatory for short trips. If the railway does not revoke the decision, we will be forced to launch a movement,” added Das.

An official of NFR said the fare was hiked because of the reservation charge. “Reservation is compulsory because of the Covid-19 situation. Chair car coaches would be provided in the train,” the official said.