Train Services Halted Due to Bridge Collapse in Dhemaji
Bridge Collapse Disrupts Train Operations
Railway bridge collapse due to heavy rainfall and riverbank erosion
Guwahati, June 29: Train services have been suspended between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations following the collapse of a railway bridge, which was triggered by heavy rainfall and riverbank erosion in Archipathar on Sunday.
According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the region experienced over 110 mm of rainfall, leading to flooding and erosion that compromised the railway bridge at KM 408/11-13. Consequently, train operations in this section have been halted.
Sharma noted that the bridge, originally built in 1965 and later upgraded to broad gauge, was deemed safe until one of its piers became unstable due to significant riverbank erosion caused by the heavy rains.
“Fortunately, there have been no injuries or damage to any trains. This branch line has low traffic, and all services had already been suspended due to the flooding,” he explained.
He also mentioned that train services on the Murkongselek–Silapathar route in the Tinsukia division will remain suspended until further notice. Trains on this route will be short-terminated and short-originated from Silapathar. To assist passengers, bus services are being arranged from Murkongselek to Silapathar, and help desks have been established at Dhemaji, Silapathar, and Murkongselek stations. NFR authorities are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with district and state governments.
In related news, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been actively monitoring the flood situation in Dhemaji. He has instructed Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain and Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta to remain in Dhemaji to supervise relief efforts.
“We are deeply saddened by the impact it has had on the lives of our people. In this difficult time, we firmly stand with them. We are deploying a whole-of-government approach and mobilising all resources to prioritise immediate safety and long-term rehabilitation of all affected families,” the Chief Minister stated on social media.