GUWAHATI: Train services between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations in Assam have been suspended following heavy rainfall and severe riverbank erosion that destabilised a railway bridge in Dhemaji district, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) stated in a press release.
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According to the release, more than 110 mm of rainfall in and around Dhemaji district triggered flooding and significant erosion near the railway bridge located at KM 408/11-13, forcing the suspension of train operations on the affected section.
The bridge, originally constructed in 1965 and later converted to broad gauge, was in a safe condition. However, continuous heavy rainfall washed away a substantial portion of the riverbank, leaving one of the bridge's piers unstable.
Railway officials clarified that no trains were damaged and no injuries were reported. The affected route is a low-traffic branch line, and train services had already been halted as a precaution due to flooding in the area.
As a result, train movement between Murkongselek and Silapathar under the Tinsukia Division will remain suspended until further notice.
To minimise inconvenience to passengers, trains on the route will be short-terminated and short-originated from Silapathar. The railway has also arranged buses to transport willing passengers between Murkongselek and Silapathar.
NFR has opened help desks at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek stations to assist affected passengers with travel-related information and support.
Railway authorities said the situation is being monitored closely in coordination with the district administration and the Assam government, and restoration work will be undertaken once conditions become safe.