Train operations remain suspended along the Lumding–Badarpur hill section after a devastating landslide damaged nearly 100 metres of railway track, cutting off a key transportation artery connecting Assam’s Barak Valley and Tripura. Officials say it may take up to a week to restore full connectivity, depending on weather conditions.
The landslide, caused by continuous heavy rainfall, struck just 15 metres from the track, leading to the collapse of a slope and rendering the rail route inoperable. As a result, train services through the affected stretch have come to a complete halt.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) confirmed that restoration efforts are in full swing, but work is being hindered by fresh landslides and unstable terrain.
“Train movement will remain suspended until repairs are complete. All available resources are being mobilised to reopen the section within a week, weather permitting. Passengers are urged to check official updates for the latest information,” the NFR stated.
Over 25 heavy-duty machines, including excavators, dumpers, and JCBs, along with 200 workers, have been deployed to the site for the emergency response. Restoration is currently focused on stabilising the slope and clearing approximately 25,000 cubic metres of debris.
Senior officers from NFR’s Lumding Division, including the Divisional Railway Manager, are overseeing the round-the-clock operations on-site to ensure the fastest possible completion.
Despite the manpower and machinery, frequent rainfall and continuous soil erosion continue to present major safety risks. The NFR noted that stabilisation of the hillside must be completed before any reconstruction of the damaged track can begin.
Meanwhile, numerous trains have been cancelled or partially cancelled due to the disruption. Passengers are advised to follow official railway communication channels for details on service status and schedule modifications.
To address the crisis, a high-level coordination meeting was held on June 24. The discussion, attended by Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, the General Manager of NFR, and officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), resulted in a joint action plan to accelerate restoration.
Officials reiterated the strategic importance of the Lumding–Badarpur route.
“This railway section is the lifeline for Barak Valley and Tripura. We are leaving no stone unturned to bring back normalcy at the earliest,” a senior railway official said.
As repair efforts continue under challenging conditions, the region awaits the resumption of a service that is vital not only for passenger transit but also for the movement of goods, essential supplies, and economic stability across southern Assam and Tripura.