How is Northeast Railway Restoring Services After Landslides?

Guwahati, June 27 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is making significant strides towards the swift restoration of train services following repair work on the impacted railway tracks in the Lumding-Badarpur Hill Section located in Assam's Dima Hasao district, as reported by officials on Friday.

Since June 23, train operations connecting south Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram with the rest of India through Guwahati have faced disruptions due to severe landslides that have critically damaged railway tracks in the hilly terrain.

NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, indicated that several areas within the Lumding–Badarpur Hill Section experienced significant issues caused by repeated earth slips, a direct consequence of heavy rainfall.

In a strong display of commitment, NFR's General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava visited the affected site to evaluate the situation, assess progress, and inspire the field teams.

He urged that maximum manpower and machinery be utilized to accelerate the restoration efforts and ensure the prompt resumption of train services in this crucial hilly region.

As part of the comprehensive restoration initiative, around 20,000 cubic meters of slid earth from the hill slope is being excavated for track restoration, with 14,100 cubic meters already removed, according to the CPRO.

Moreover, from the track area, 3,000 cubic meters of earth was earmarked for extraction, of which 2,850 cubic meters have been cleared to date.

Additionally, a substantial 127,000 cubic meters of slid earth has been extracted from at-risk hill slopes.

Enhancements in drainage are also being implemented, including the construction of 600 running meters of kutcha drains and the cleaning of 400 running meters of existing hillside drains.

For slope stabilization, jungle cutting has been completed over 12,000 square meters, and 1,200 square meters of hill slope have been reinforced using non-woven geo-textile materials.

Sharma emphasized that a large workforce and heavy machinery are actively engaged at the site. Despite the challenging landscape, teams are working diligently.

The presence of the General Manager has been a morale booster for all personnel involved, as NFR strives forward with resolve and urgency.

Despite various logistical challenges, the Railway is dedicated to reinstating normal operations in the section as soon as possible, prioritizing both safety and operational readiness.

Until the restoration is finalized, certain trains will be fully or partially canceled to safeguard passengers, as stated by the CPRO.

Yearly, during the monsoon, several northeastern states, particularly Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and southern Assam, often find themselves isolated from the rest of India for weeks due to landslides, water logging, and railway track damages, resulting in significant hardship for the local populace.