Silchar-Lumding train services to resume today

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, April 24: The derailment of engine of Poorvattar Sampark Kranti Express in the night of Saturday between Ditokcherra and Bandarkhal on Silchar-Lumding hill section has disrupted the normal movement of trains and led to the cancellation of all the scheduled trains on the route. As informed by Prav Jyoti Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, within 10 hours of derailment, the engine was put back on track and all the 21 bogies attached to it were brought back to Ditokcherra station. No passengers were injured and all on board were provided with free scks and refreshments.

 Even though, no one was injured, medical help was also made available. Besides, help line telephone numbers were activated for any help and information. The train had left from New Delhi on Thursday for Silchar. After the derailment, the entire train comprising 21 coaches was pulled back from rear side to Ditokcherra station by using another engine. According to the latest information, the train is being taken back to New Haflong station where all facilities like tea, scks, milk and water are being made available to passengers. The Chief Secretary of Assam has assured all assistance from the state government.

 The information further says that Sampark Kranti Express which was brought back to Ditokcherra from New Haflong left for Silchar in the morning of 8.55 am today. The landslide was triggered by very heavy rainfall at four locations during the early morning and night of Saturday. Three locations have been attended by railway authorities and have become fit for movement of trains. Work is still in progress at one location which is likely to take some more time. In view of the emerging situation, movement of some trains have been cancelled or termited temporarily till the track is cleared of debris and restoration work completed.

 The trains temporarily cancelled included Silchar – Alipurduar special, Guwahati – Silchar Fast passenger, Guwahati – Silchar Kanchanjungha Express and Silchar – Guwahati Kanchanjungha Express. General Mager, NF Railway along with his team of officers who left from Maligaon headquarters on the night of Saturday itself is at New Haflong and is presently persolly monitoring the restoration work and extension of help to passengers. Movement of goods trains will however resume today afternoon. Passenger services will be resumed from tomorrow provided there is no further damage to track due to continuous inclement weather condition in the hill section.