Rail Restored in Flood-Hit Assam, Services Resume with Safety Precautions
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has restored rail connectivity on sections of track damaged by recent floods in and around Simaluguri in Assam's Sibsagar district, bringing relief to passengers after days of disruption. The restoration falls under the Tinsukia Division of the railway zone.
The section is part of the Lumding-Dibrugarh route, a crucial artery for passenger and freight traffic in the region. The floods had caused significant damage to the track bed and infrastructure, forcing the railway to suspend services on this section.
General Manager of NFR, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, visited the affected sections and conducted a detailed inspection of the tracks, bridges and associated infrastructure before clearance was given for train movement.
During the inspection, railway officials observed that a number of local residents, including children, along with their belongings and livestock, have taken shelter on or near the railway tracks due to the flood situation. Considering the humanitarian aspect and prioritising public safety, the railway has decided to initially operate only diesel locomotive-hauled trains on the restored sections.
According to officials, this precautionary measure is aimed at minimising the risk of electrocution and ensuring the safety of flood-affected people until normal conditions return. Local train services in the area will now run via Moranhat, they said.
Long-distance trains will continue to operate on a diverted route via North Lakhimpur-Rangapara North-Rangiya for the time being. Additionally, special trains have been running regularly throughout the disruption period to provide alternative rail connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Upper Assam.
Officials added that once the situation normalises and displaced people are able to return to their homes, a decision will be taken on the full restoration of train services, including the running of electric trains on the section.
The restoration work was carried out on a war footing by railway personnel, who worked round-the-clock to repair the damaged tracks and ensure the line was safe for traffic. The decision to run only diesel trains rather than electric is a temporary measure, as overhead electric wires pose a risk to people living in close proximity to the track.
In a social media post, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the flood-affected railway section between Selenghat-Amguri-Simaluguri-Sivasagar Town has been restored and made operational. He stated that direct train services between Guwahati and Dibrugarh via Lumding and Sivasagar can now resume. Sarma expressed gratitude to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the NFR team for their efforts in restoring the vital link between Upper Assam and the rest of the country.
The restoration of this rail link is expected to ease movement for passengers and goods, though authorities remain cautious given the ongoing flood situation and the presence of displaced persons near the tracks.
