Ongoing floods and landslides in Assam have led to disruptions in railway services, with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) undertaking urgent restoration work. More than 11 lakh people in over 2,000 villages have been affected, and 1.15 lakh individuals are in relief camps as the flood situation remains severe. The flood impact is particularly severe in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts, with the state’s overall flood death toll exceeding 61.
The major rivers Dikhou, Disang, and Dhansiri are flowing above the danger level, exacerbating the flood situation in eastern Assam. NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma mentioned that extensive restoration works are ongoing in flood-affected sections under Tinsukia Division to restore normal railway operations promptly. Efforts include strengthening railway formations, unloading boulders, and utilizing sandbags and bamboo piling for stabilization.
In various sections like Simalguri-Namtiali and Amguri-Selenghat, restoration works are progressing with the unloading of stone dust and boulders to expedite reopening. Over 700 laborers and heavy machinery are deployed across affected locations, transporting materials like ballast, boulders, and rails for strengthening damaged railway formations. Senior railway officers are overseeing the restoration works to ensure effective coordination and adherence to safety standards.
Due to settlement of railway tracks near New Harangajao station, train operations on the Lumding–Badarpur Hill Section have been disrupted, leading to rescheduled, canceled, and regulated train movements. Passenger-carrying trains are suspended during night hours for safety reasons, with operations continuing under regulated conditions during the day. Railway personnel are working diligently to restore the affected track section promptly for the safe resumption of normal train operations.
Every monsoon season, railway infrastructure in Northeast India faces vulnerabilities to floods and landslides, impacting rail connectivity and movement. The four-month monsoon period from June to September often causes extensive damage to railway tracks, disrupting passenger and freight movement. Northeastern states like Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and parts of southern Assam experience prolonged disruptions in rail connectivity, affecting commuters and essential commodities.
