Train Services Resume in Assam After Landslide Disruption

Resumption of Train Services in Assam
Silchar, June 29: Following a significant landslide that disrupted train operations in the vital Jatinga–Lampur hill area of Assam, passenger services have recommenced, providing much-needed relief to Barak Valley and adjacent states including Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur.
The first major development occurred on Sunday morning when the 13175 Sealdah–Silchar Kanchanjungha Express reached New Haflong station at 10:50 am, marking the first passenger train to navigate the landslide-affected route since the incident.
Despite the tracks being covered in debris just days prior, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) had assured that services would resume by Sunday, a commitment that has now been realized. This successful operation is a crucial part of NFR’s ongoing efforts to restore train connectivity.
Trial runs commenced on Saturday evening, confirming that both the Sealdah–Silchar Kanchanjungha Express and the Sabroom–Agartala–Sealdah Express would operate through the impacted area.
Prior to the resumption of passenger services, several freight trains, including those carrying petrol, rice, and a long-awaited pool wagon to Dharmanagar, were dispatched to assess track stability. A special Rangiya–Agartala trial service is also included in the phased reopening.
“If the trial runs are successful, full operations are expected to resume by Monday,” stated an official from NFR.
Minor adjustments to train schedules are anticipated, with the Kanchanjungha Express now set to depart Badarpur at 1 pm and return via Guwahati at 2:55 pm, and Lumding at 6:40 pm.
Restoration efforts in the area affected by the landslide have been ongoing since the incident severed the sole rail connection linking this remote region of the Northeast to the rest of India.
The disruption had resulted in significant economic challenges and logistical issues for the landlocked areas of Barak Valley, Tripura, Mizoram, and parts of Manipur.
“This is a tremendous relief. The Chief Minister has been closely monitoring the situation,” remarked Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha, who confirmed discussions with the NFR General Manager.
The return of train services signifies a hopeful step towards restoring normalcy for communities that have been isolated due to the landslide.