Are Train Services in the Northeast Affected by Landslides?

Guwahati, June 24 (NationPress) Train operations linking south Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram with the rest of the nation through Guwahati have been halted for a second consecutive day due to landslides obstructing the railway tracks in the New Haflong-Jatinga Lampur sector of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), officials reported.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, stated that following the landslide that disrupted train services in the Lumding-Badarpur hill area, relentless efforts are being made by the railways and state authorities for the swift restoration of services, which were suspended to prioritize the safety of passengers and railway assets.

He mentioned that a high-level emergency meeting, comprising senior officials from NFR, the state government, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), and various other agencies, was convened to assess the situation and devise immediate solutions.

The Northeast Frontier Railway is operating tirelessly, utilizing heavy machinery and manpower at the site to clear the debris and restore the railway line as soon as possible.

Ongoing joint monitoring and coordinated efforts are underway, and train services are anticipated to normalize once the line's safety is guaranteed, according to the official.

The CPRO indicated that until restoration is finalized, certain trains will be fully or partially canceled to ensure passenger safety. Passengers are urged to stay informed through official railway communication channels regarding train statuses and service restorations.

Sharma reported that estimates show approximately 50,000 cubic meters of debris and stones have accumulated against the railway retaining wall, with at least 30,000 cubic meters needing clearance to commence track work as soon as possible. He noted that railway teams are working intensively, with senior officials from the Lumding Division and Maligaon headquarters near Guwahati stationed at the site to oversee and coordinate restoration efforts.

The railway authority sincerely regrets the disruption caused to passengers due to the unavoidable train cancellations and service interruptions. They assure that every possible effort is being made to restore train operations while maintaining the utmost safety, as stated by the NFR CPRO.

Passengers are encouraged to verify the latest updates on train operations via official railway websites, helplines, and social media platforms.

Every monsoon season, numerous northeastern states, particularly Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and southern Assam, frequently face disconnection from the rest of the country for weeks due to landslides, waterlogging, and damage to railway infrastructure, causing significant challenges for local residents.