The Northeast Frontier Railway has cancelled several trains and altered the routes of others in response to track damage caused by flash floods in Sivasagar district, Assam. This decision was announced on July 20, following severe weather conditions that impacted railway operations. The Chief Public Relations Officer, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, emphasised that safety considerations for both passengers and trains were paramount in making this choice.

Train sections along the Simaluguri-Namtiali and Simaluguri-Selenghat routes have been suspended indefinitely. Long-distance trains originating from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia are being rerouted through the Rangiya-Rangapara path to avoid the affected areas. Sharma noted that repair efforts are currently underway, and personnel and materials are being deployed to facilitate a swift restoration of services.

There are specific local train cancellations, including those from Tinsukia to Jorhat Town, as well as from Ledo to Guwahati Intercity Express. Passengers are urged to check alternative travel arrangements as further assessments of track conditions can only be conducted once water levels decrease.

Flooding Causes Infrastructure Challenges

The flooding in Simaluguri has resulted from heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment area, affecting the Dikhow River’s levels. The town has experienced considerable overflow, leading to the inundation of critical infrastructure, including the railway station yard and surrounding colonies. Water is reported to be encroaching upon railway tracks in this region, exacerbating delays in service restoration.

In light of recent flooding, affected train operations have been significantly impacted. Cancellations on July 20 include various routes, with additional cancellations from trains that had commenced their journeys on the previous day. The railway management is actively monitoring conditions and contributing to restoration efforts while prioritising passenger safety and wellbeing.

Meanwhile, local authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the flooding. Current conditions prevent an accurate estimation of when regular train operations might resume, and safety assessments will continue to be a focus until the weather stabilises.

Support Measures for Affected Passengers

The Northeast Frontier Railway is implementing measures to assist stranded passengers. Plans are in place for a special train service operating from Sibsagar Town to Dibrugarh and New Tinsukia in light of the disruptions. Additionally, road transport is being arranged for thousands of commuters who have been affected by the service cancellations, ensuring their transfer to functional rail stations.

Efforts to accommodate passengers include arrangements for food and drinking water, as well as ticket refunds where applicable. Help desks are being established at various railway stations to provide further support to the affected individuals. Transportation options, including ASTC buses and local vehicles, are being dispatched to facilitate movement to Sibsagar Town station.

As part of the ongoing response, specific numbers of passengers have already been assisted, including the transfer of individuals detraining from various express trains at Selenghat and Mariani stations. The railway authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain communication with the public regarding service updates and recovery efforts.

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