NFR Restores Flood-Hit Rail Link in Assam
Diesel-hauled trains to initially operate on restored sections as flood-affected residents shelter near railway tracks.
- NFR restores flood-damaged railway tracks in Simaluguri and adjoining areas.
- Diesel locomotives to operate initially due to safety concerns.
- Long-distance trains will continue on the diverted route for now.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma says vital Upper Assam rail link has been restored.
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 7th Aug: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has restored rail connectivity on tracks damaged by recent floods in Simaluguri and adjoining areas of Assam’s Sibsagar district under the Tinsukia Division, officials said.
NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava visited the affected sections and conducted a detailed inspection of railway tracks, bridges and other infrastructure following the restoration work.
During the inspection, officials found that several flood-affected residents, including children, were taking shelter on or near railway tracks along with their belongings and livestock.
Considering humanitarian concerns and public safety, NFR has decided to initially operate only diesel locomotive-hauled trains on the restored sections.
Officials said the precautionary measure was aimed at minimising the risk of electrocution and ensuring the safety of people sheltering near railway infrastructure until the flood situation normalises.
Local train services will operate via Moranhat, while long-distance trains will continue to use the diverted North Lakhimpur-Rangapara North-Rangiya route for the time being.
Special trains are also being operated regularly to provide alternative connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Upper Assam during the disruption.
Officials said a decision on complete restoration of services, including the operation of electric trains, would be taken once conditions improve and displaced residents are able to return to their homes.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the flood-affected railway section between Selenghat, Amguri, Simaluguri and Sivasagar Town had been restored and made operational.
“With this, direct train services between Guwahati and Dibrugarh via Lumding and Sivasagar can now resume,” Sarma said in a post on X.
He thanked Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the NFR team for their efforts in restoring what he described as a vital rail link connecting Upper Assam with the rest of the country.
