Maligaon, June 24 (MExN): A landslide has disrupted train services in the Lumding-Badarpur hill section, and continuous efforts are underway by the Railways and State authorities for early restoration, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) stated today.
The incident has led to the full and partial cancellation of some trains until June 27, as operations had to be suspended to ensure the safety of passengers and railway assets, according to a press release from the NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO).
In response to the situation, a high-level emergency meeting was convened, attended by senior NFR officials, representatives of the State Government, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), and other concerned agencies to review the situation and formulate immediate solutions, it stated.
The NFR is working round the clock by deploying heavy machinery, equipment, and workforce at the site to clear debris and restore the track at the earliest, it noted.
Continuous joint monitoring and coordinated efforts are in progress, and train services are expected to return to normal as soon as the safety of the line is ensured, it added.
According to news reports, the landslide occurred on Sunday on the tracks between New Haflong and Jatinga Lampur.
Meanwhile, the NFR release estimated that around 50,000 cubic metres of muck and stones came down towards the railway retaining wall due to the landslide.
At least 30,000 cubic metres must be cleared so that work on the track can begin as early as possible, it said.
Railway teams are working on a war footing, and senior railway officials from the Lumding Division and Headquarters are camping at the site to monitor and coordinate restoration efforts, it added.
The NFR administration also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unavoidable train cancellations and service disruptions and assured that all efforts are being made to restore operations while ensuring safety.
It further advised passengers to check for the latest updates on train services through official railway websites, helplines, and social media handles.
