NFR restores flood-hit Simaluguri rail line, resumes phased services with safety curbs

GUWAHATI: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) restored the flood-damaged railway tracks at Simaluguri and adjoining areas in Sivasagar district under the Tinsukia Division, allowing train services to resume in phases with safety measures in place.

NFR said it would initially operate only diesel locomotive-hauled trains on the restored section as many flood-affected families, along with their belongings and livestock, continued to shelter on or near the railway tracks. The measure was taken to eliminate the risk of electrocution from overhead electric equipment until conditions normalised.

Local trains, including the Nagaland Express, Guwahati–Ledo Intercity Express, Rangiya–Ledo Intercity Express, Lumding–Tinsukia DEMU and Tinsukia–Jorhat Town Passenger, were routed via Moranhat, while long-distance trains continued to run on the diverted route via North Lakhimpur, Rangapara North and Rangiya. NFR also continued operating special trains to maintain connectivity to and from Upper Assam during the disruption. The railway said more than 700 personnel worked round the clock with heavy machinery and engineering equipment under the supervision of senior officials from NFR Headquarters and Tinsukia Division to restore the damaged tracks. It reiterated its commitment to restoring normal train operations at the earliest while ensuring passenger safety and the welfare of flood-affected residents, a press release said.

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