Floodwaters from the overflowing Dikhow River have submerged railway tracks in Assam’s Simaluguri, disrupting rail operations in the region. Train services on key sections have been suspended, while several long-distance trains have been diverted.
A railway official said that due to heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment, the Dikhow River has been overflowing, resulting in flooding of Simaluguri (SLGR) town in Sibsagar district under Tinsukia Division in Assam, including the station yard and railway colony. Water has also overtopped the railway track in the Simaluguri area.
“As a result, to ensure safety of trains and passengers, train movement in the Simaluguri-Namtiali and Simaluguri-Selenghat sections has been suspended until further notice. Long distance trains from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia have been diverted through the Rangiya Rangapara route. A number of local trains have been cancelled and short terminated,” the officer said.
He said that necessary measures are being taken to restore train movement at the earliest. “Required men and materials have been dispatched to the affected locations. The situation is being continuously monitored at the highest level. At present, due to the high water level, it is not possible to determine the expected time of restoration. Only once the water level recedes, the exact damage to the tracks can be ascertained,” he said.
“In connection with the diversion of long distance trains due to the flood situation at Simaluguri, NF Railway is taking proactive action to facilitate the passengers onboard these trains. Arrangements of food packets, drinking water and refund of tickets have been made. Help Desks have been set up at all stations. ASTC buses and local vehicles have been arranged at Namtiali for movement of passengers to Sibsagar Town station. From Sibsagar Town station, a special train has been planned for Dibrugarh and New Tinsukia,” the officer said.
“A total of 217 passengers deboarding from 22503 Vivek Express at Selenghat are being transported by road to Mariani. 570 passengers of 15959 Kamrup express and 490 passengers of 15934 Amritsar Tinsukia Express detraining at Mariani are being facilitated,” he added.
Floodwaters submerge railway tracks in Assam’s Simaluguri, disrupt train services
