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Dimapur, August 6 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has restored the railway tracks damaged by recent floods at Simaluguri and adjoining areas in Assam's Sibsagar district under the Tinsukia Division, paving the way for the gradual resumption of train services.
According to an NFR press release, General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava inspected the affected railway section, including tracks, bridges and other infrastructure, following the restoration works.
During the inspection, it was observed that several flood-affected residents, including children, were taking shelter on or near the railway tracks along with their belongings and livestock. In view of the prevailing humanitarian situation, NFR has decided to initially operate only diesel locomotive-hauled trains on the restored section.
The railway stated that the decision was taken "to minimise the risk of electrocution and ensure the safety of flood-affected people" until conditions return to normal.
Local train services, including the Guwahati-Dibrugarh Nagaland Express (Train No. 15669), Guwahati-Ledo-Guwahati Intercity Express (Train Nos. 15603/15604), Rangiya-Ledo-Rangiya Intercity Express (Train Nos. 15967/15968), Lumding-Tinsukia-Lumding DEMU (Train Nos. 75601/75602) and Tinsukia-Jorhat Town passenger train (Train No. 55914), will operate via Moranhat.
The release added that long-distance trains will continue to run on the diverted route via North Lakhimpur-Rangapara North-Rangiya for the time being. Special trains are also being operated regularly during the disruption to maintain connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Upper Assam.
NFR said a decision on restoring full train services, including the operation of electric locomotives on the section, will be taken once flood-affected residents are able to return to their homes.
