The cessation of passenger services has impacted the people of Manipur, depriving them of a cost-effective means of travel, despite much speculation about enjoyable and low-cost travel from Manipur to other states and vice versa.

Bishwanath suggested that the halt in passenger train services at Jiribam railway station since June last year may be due to security concerns arising from ongoing violence in the state.

On June 6, tension escalated in the bordering district of Manipur after a farmer was found beheaded, leading to an irate mob setting fire to over 70 houses and government institutions, including a police outpost and a forest beat at Borobekra in Jiribam district.

Since the eruption of violence last year, there has been an observed increase in helicopter services. Officials from the railway service stated that passenger services of the North East Frontier Railways have been suspended for a year following the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

Bishwanath mentioned that previously, passenger trains had reached Khongsang railway station in Tamenglong district. However, since June last year, only occasional goods trains have been reaching Khongsang railway station.

Khongsang Railway Station, approximately 95 kilometers away from Imphal via NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam), is currently the nearest station to Imphal. Manipur has five railway stations, namely Rani Gaidinliu station, Thingou station, Jiribam station, Khongsang station, and Vangaichungpao station.

In January 2022, the first Janshatabdi Express train connecting Manipur with Tripura via Assam was inaugurated by the former Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Bishwanath added that although passenger trains are not in operation, it is essential for goods trains to continue their services up to Khongshang.