Guwahati, 20 July (HS): Train services in parts of Upper Assam have been suspended after the overflowing Dikhow River inundated Simaluguri town in Sivasagar district, affecting the railway station yard, colony and tracks, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said on Monday.

According to NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Sharma, floodwaters have overtopped the railway tracks in the Simaluguri area, forcing the suspension of train movement between Simaluguri–Namtiali and Simaluguri–Selenghat sections until further notice to ensure passenger safety.

Long-distance trains originating from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia have been diverted via the Rangiya–Rangapara route, while several local trains have been cancelled or short-terminated.

Railway authorities have rushed men and materials to the affected locations and are continuously monitoring the situation. However, restoration work can begin only after floodwaters recede, enabling assessment of damage to the tracks.

To assist stranded passengers, NFR has arranged food packets, drinking water, ticket refunds and help desks at stations. ASTC buses and local vehicles have been deployed at Namtiali to transport passengers to Sibsagar Town station, from where a special train has been planned for Dibrugarh and New Tinsukia.

As part of the relief measures, 217 passengers of the 22503 Vivek Express were transported by road from Selenghat to Mariani, while assistance is being provided to 570 passengers of the 15959 Kamrup Express and 490 passengers of the 15934 Amritsar–Tinsukia Express who detrained at Mariani.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash