Guwahati, August 7: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is continuing extensive restoration work on the rain-damaged Lumding–Badarpur Hill Section, with rail services connecting southern Assam and three northeastern states remaining disrupted for over two weeks.
The disruption was caused by continuous monsoon rainfall that led to land subsidence near New Harangajao in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. The ground beneath two railway lines gave way over a stretch of nearly 300 metres, significantly affecting train movement on one of the region’s most critical railway corridors.
Since the damage occurred, railway engineers and technical teams have been working around the clock to stabilize the affected area and restore the tracks. Heavy equipment has been deployed at the site, but repeated rainfall and unstable ground conditions have slowed the pace of repairs.
At present, train traffic is being managed through the only operational track under strict safety supervision. Railway authorities have also suspended passenger train movement across the damaged section during night hours between 7:00 pm and 5:00 am, allowing trains to pass only during the day under regulated speeds and constant monitoring.
The prolonged disruption has forced changes to several train services across the Northeast. The Guwahati–Silchar Express was cancelled on August 6 and August 8, while multiple trains operating between Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur have either been rescheduled, partially cancelled or regulated depending on operational requirements.
Officials have not announced a date for the complete restoration of the route, stating that passenger safety remains the highest priority. Full-scale operations will resume only after engineers certify the damaged section as safe for regular rail traffic.
The Lumding–Badarpur Hill Section serves as the only railway connection between Barak Valley, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur and the rest of the country’s rail network. The continued disruption has affected daily commuters, long-distance passengers and freight transportation, highlighting the strategic importance of the corridor for the Northeast.
Railway authorities have assured passengers that restoration efforts are being carried out on a war footing and that updates regarding train operations will be issued as work progresses.
