Digboi: Flooding caused by the overflowing Dikhow River has disrupted rail connectivity across the Northeast, forcing the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to cancel, divert and regulate dozens of passenger trains after tracks near Simaluguri were submerged.
Train operations on the Simaluguri–NMT and Simaluguri–SLX sections were suspended after floodwaters inundated railway tracks, railway colonies and adjoining areas. Railway authorities declared the affected stretch unsafe for traffic and launched restoration work.
According to the latest NFR operational bulletin issued on Tuesday, nine down trains and 10 up trains have been diverted, 12 trains have been partially cancelled or short-terminated, while 18 train services have been cancelled.
Among the affected services are the Rajdhani Express, Vivek Express, Kamrup Express, Nagaland Express, Arunachal Express, Amrit Bharat Express, besides several Intercity, DEMU and passenger trains.
Addressing a press briefing at the Divisional Railway Office in Tinsukia, Divisional Railway Manager Parag Katre said engineering, signalling and operating teams had been deployed round the clock to restore the flood-hit infrastructure.
“Our teams are engaged in dewatering inundated tracks and railway yards, repairing damaged railway infrastructure, strengthening embankments and restoring signalling systems to ensure the earliest possible resumption of train services. Subject to favourable weather conditions, we are hopeful of restoring normal rail operations within a fortnight,” Katre said.
To minimise inconvenience to passengers, the Railways has arranged road transport across the disrupted section and introduced a special train between Sivasagar Town and New Tinsukia. Passenger help desks have also been set up at major stations to provide travel assistance and real-time updates.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Techi Kumar said the Railways had initiated an expedited refund process for passengers holding cancelled tickets.
The NFR is also planning to introduce a daily special train between Bhojo and Dibrugarh, subject to operational feasibility and necessary approvals.
Railway officials said dewatering operations, track repairs, embankment strengthening and restoration of signalling systems are underway at multiple locations. Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status through official enquiry channels before travelling.