In the midst of a 17-day disruption in train services in Northeastern states caused by landslides in Assam’s hilly terrain, two freight trains have emerged as a beacon of relief. Laden with petrol and diesel, these trains successfully navigated the treacherous Jatinga Lumpur-New Harangajao section in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, reaching Tripura and Silchar (Assam) from Guwahati.
Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), confirmed the safe passage of the freight trains, each comprising 50 wagons, through the challenging terrain of Jatinga Lumpur-New Harangajao.
The halt in train operations since April 25, triggered by heavy landslides in the Lumding division, has severely impacted passenger and goods transportation in the region, particularly affecting Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram.
The arrival of these fuel-laden trains brings a much-needed respite, alleviating the shortage of transportation fuel and essential items in the affected states. Railway and state authorities are working in tandem to restore normalcy, with teams of workers and engineers engaged in round-the-clock efforts to repair damaged tracks.
Acknowledging the precarious conditions of the region’s railway infrastructure, Northeast Frontier Railway has implemented limited daytime operations along the hilly routes, in addition to regulating long-distance and express services.
Officials emphasize the urgency of the situation, highlighting insufficient fuel and essential goods stocks in southern Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, and parts of Manipur due to restricted goods train movement.
