Guwahati: Floods in upper Assam disrupted train services, forcing diversions, cancellations and passenger evacuations.Floodwater overtopped the railway track at Simaluguri in Sivasagar district, prompting Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to suspend train movement on affected sections. More than 2,000 passengers were evacuated and moved by road.According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat are the worst-affected districts so far.NFR chief public relations officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said in a statement, “Due to incessant heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas, the Dikhow river has been overflowing, leading to severe flooding in and around Simaluguri town in Sivasagar district under Tinsukia Division of NFR. The floodwaters have inundated the Simaluguri station yard, railway tracks, railway colony and adjoining areas.”He said floodwater also overtopped the track in the Simaluguri section. “In view of passenger safety and operational requirements, train movement between the Simaluguri-Namtiali and Simaluguri-Selenghat sections has been suspended until further notice,” he added.Six long-distance trains originating from or bound for Dibrugarh and Tinsukia have been diverted via the Rangiya-Rangapara-Dibrugarh route.Nine local passenger trains have been cancelled, while 10 trains have been short-terminated or short-originated at stations including Namtiali, Selenghat, Mariani Junction and Furkating Junction. NFR said it was taking steps to assist passengers on diverted and affected trains.“Arrangements for food packets, drinking water and refund of tickets have been made. Help desks have been set up at all stations. Assam State Transport Corporation buses and local vehicles have been arranged at Namtiali for the movement of passengers to the Sivasagar Town station. From Sivasagar Town station, a special train has been planned for Dibrugarh and New Tinsukia,” Sharma added.
