Silchar, June 25: Train operations on the vital Lumding–Badarpur hill route are currently suspended due to a significant landslide that has damaged approximately 100 meters of the railway track. Officials estimate that full restoration could take around a week.

The landslide, caused by continuous rainfall, occurred just 15 meters from the railway line, disrupting a crucial rail connection between Assam's Barak Valley and Tripura.

According to a statement from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), train services in the affected area will remain halted until repairs are completed. Efforts are being made to restore connectivity within a week, depending on weather conditions. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official railway updates.

Emergency restoration efforts are being conducted urgently. The NFR has deployed over 25 heavy earth-moving machines, including excavators and dumpers, along with around 200 workers to expedite the repairs.

Senior officials from the NFR's Lumding Division, including the Divisional Railway Manager, are present at the site to oversee the continuous work.

Despite the intensive restoration efforts, ongoing rainfall and an unstable hillside are hindering progress. Loose soil continues to slide, creating additional risks. Stabilizing the slope is the primary focus, followed by the removal of nearly 25,000 cubic meters of debris.

Several trains have been cancelled or partially cancelled until further notice. Passengers are advised to keep track of official railway updates regarding service resumption and schedule modifications.

On June 24, a high-level meeting was held involving Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, the General Manager of NFR, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other stakeholders to develop a joint action plan aimed at speeding up the restoration of this essential link.

Senior officials emphasized that the Lumding–Badarpur section is crucial for Barak Valley and Tripura, and all efforts are being made to restore connectivity as soon as possible.

Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha remarked that restoration work is progressing rapidly. He also mentioned that the Cachar District Commissioner has been instructed to expedite the process and monitor the prices of essential goods in the affected area.