NFR restores partial train services in Simaluguri after seventeen days. (Photo Courtesy: NFR)
Guwahati, August 7 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has restored the flood-damaged railway tracks at Simaluguri and adjoining areas in Sivasagar district under Tinsukia Division, enabling partial resumption of train services after 17 days.
The restoration was carried out despite adverse weather and prevailing flood conditions, with train operations being resumed in phases with safety measures in place.
NFR said diesel locomotive-hauled trains would initially operate on the restored section as many flood-affected residents, including families with children, along with their belongings and livestock, are still taking shelter on or near the railway tracks due to waterlogging.
"This temporary measure has been adopted to eliminate the risk of electrocution from overhead electric equipment and to ensure the safety of flood-affected people until the situation normalises," NFR stated.
Under the revised operational plan, several local services will operate via Moranhat. These include Train No. 15669 Guwahati-Dibrugarh Nagaland Express, Train Nos. 15603/15604 Guwahati-Ledo-Guwahati Intercity Express, Train Nos. 15967/15968 Rangiya-Ledo-Rangiya Intercity Express, Train Nos. 75601/75602 Lumding-Tinsukia-Lumding DEMU and Train No. 55914 Tinsukia-Jorhat Town Passenger, among others.
Long-distance trains will continue to operate on the diverted route via North Lakhimpur-Rangapara North-Rangiya until normal operations are restored.
NFR has also been operating special trains at regular intervals to maintain connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Upper Assam during the disruption. The special services will continue to supplement rail connectivity until the normal route becomes fully operational.
According to NFR, more than 700 personnel worked round the clock at different damaged locations during the restoration, supported by heavy machinery, engineering equipment, relief materials and other resources. The work was carried out under the supervision of senior officials from NFR Headquarters and Tinsukia Division.
