The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has restored rail connectivity along flood-damaged sections in Simaluguri and adjoining areas of Assam's Sivasagar district under the Tinsukia Division. Railway officials said train services have resumed on the restored sections following repair and safety inspections after recent flooding affected tracks and other infrastructure in the region.

NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava visited the affected sections and conducted a detailed inspection of the tracks, bridges and other railway infrastructure. During the visit, officials found that several local residents, including children, along with their belongings and livestock, were still taking shelter on or near railway tracks because of the flood situation.

In view of the humanitarian situation and safety concerns, the railway has initially decided to operate only diesel locomotive-hauled trains on the restored sections. Officials said the precautionary measure is intended to minimise the risk of electrocution and protect flood-affected residents who may still be present around the railway infrastructure. Local train services will operate via Moranhat during this period.

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Long-distance train services will continue to operate on the diverted route via North Lakhimpur, Rangapara North and Rangiya for the time being. The railway is also operating special trains regularly during the disruption to provide alternative connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Upper Assam.

Officials said a decision on the complete restoration of train operations, including the resumption of electric trains on the affected section, will be taken once flood conditions normalise and residents currently sheltering near the tracks are able to return to their homes. The railway will continue to assess the safety of the infrastructure before restoring normal operations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced that the flood-affected railway section between Selenghat, Amguri, Simaluguri and Sivasagar Town had been restored and made operational. He said direct train services between Guwahati and Dibrugarh via Lumding and Sivasagar could now resume and thanked Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Northeast Frontier Railway team for their efforts to restore the vital rail link connecting Upper Assam with the rest of the country.

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