Floods wreak havoc in Upper Assam, railway line in peril, situation grim

Flood situation worsens in Upper Assam due to incessant rains. Several areas, including Sivasagar, Jorhat, Charaideo, Nazira, Amguri, and Sonari, are underwater. The Jaji and Dekhow rivers are flowing above the danger mark, severely disrupting normal life. Minister Bimal Bora visited the Cherikkapara area of Sivasagar district to assess the flood situation and meet affected people. He also reviewed relief and rescue operations.

In Jorhat, the Bhogdoi river is in spate, with several breaches reported and roads severely damaged. People in flood-affected areas are facing severe difficulties. Meanwhile, the Nazira-Majenga railway section has been severely affected by the flood, with almost half of the railway embankment washed away due to strong currents. If the erosion continues, the railway line may be submerged in the Dekhow river at any time. Railway authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

In the Tikak area of Jorhat district, the flood may disrupt traffic between Upper and Lower Assam at any time. A severe crisis has arisen due to the rising water level in the Kakajan river. National Highway 715 is underwater, and traffic has been completely stopped on both service roads of the flyover bridge between Kakajan and Da-Gaon.

In the meantime, water is flowing over National Highway 37 at Dholia Gaon Badulipukhuri. Vehicles are moving towards Upper and Lower Assam through the submerged national highway. Floodwaters have entered 30-35 revenue villages in the Tikak and Kakajan areas. According to locals, the district administration did not reach the spot until the last reports were received. While light vehicles are crossing the submerged national highway, other vehicles are stuck in the water.

According to information, many people are stranded in their homes and private properties due to the flood. Locals are also engaged in relief operations. Meanwhile, locals are blaming the non-compliance of the four-lane road for the situation.

In the Simaluguri area, the rising water level has reached the railway station yard, railway colony, and railway tracks. As a result, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has suspended all train services on the Simaluguri-Namti Ali and Simaluguri-Silghat sections until further notice, prioritizing safety. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer, Kapienjali Sharma, said on Monday that changes have been made in the operation of long-distance trains due to the flood situation. Long-distance trains from Dibrugarh and New Tinsukia are now being operated via the Rangia-Rangapara route to minimize the inconvenience to passengers and keep rail services running as much as possible. At the same time, several local trains running on the affected section have been canceled, while the operation of some trains has been partially suspended.

Railway authorities say that special teams of engineering and technical staff, along with necessary equipment and materials, have been deployed in the affected areas. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. However, a detailed inspection of the tracks, bridges, and other rail infrastructure will only be possible after the floodwaters recede. After that, the extent of the damage will be assessed, and necessary repairs will be started. Rail services will be resumed only after safety standards are confirmed.

The railway has also made special arrangements to provide relief to passengers. Relief camps have been set up at major stations where passengers are being provided with food packets, drinking water, and other essential facilities. The process of ticket refund and cancellation has also been simplified for passengers whose journeys have been affected, so that they do not face any difficulties.

The railway has also arranged for alternative transportation. Along with Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) buses, local vehicles have also been arranged to take passengers from Namti Ali to Sivasagar Town railway station. Furthermore, plans are underway to run special trains from Sivasagar Town to Dibrugarh and New Tinsukia to take stranded passengers to their destinations.

The railway has also launched a special campaign to help passengers of flood-affected trains. 217 passengers of the 22503 Vivek Express were safely taken from Silghat to Mariani by road. Meanwhile, 570 passengers of the 15959 Kamrup Express and 490 passengers of the 15934 Amritsar-Tinsukia Express are being provided with food, drinking water, and other essential facilities at Mariani station.

Railway authorities have urged passengers to check the latest status of their trains before boarding. At the same time, in light of the flood situation, people have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow railway instructions.