Assam floods: Train services suspended in Simaluguri as Dikhow River inundates railway tracks

Train services on key railway sections in Upper Assam have been suspended after the overflowing Dikhow River inundated railway tracks and station infrastructure in Simaluguri, disrupting rail connectivity in the region.
 

According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas caused the Dikhow River to overflow, flooding Simaluguri town in Sivasagar district, including the railway station yard and the railway colony. Floodwaters also overtopped the railway tracks in the Simaluguri area.
 

To ensure the safety of passengers and train operations, railway authorities have suspended train movement in the Simaluguri–Namtiali and Simaluguri–Selenghat sections until further notice.
 

Long-distance trains originating from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia have been diverted via the Rangiya–Rangapara route. In addition, several local passenger trains have been cancelled or short-terminated due to the disruption.
 

The NFR said restoration work will begin as soon as conditions permit. Railway personnel, along with necessary materials and equipment, have already been dispatched to the affected locations.
 

Officials said the flood situation is being monitored round the clock at the highest level. However, the restoration timeline cannot be determined immediately as water levels remain high.
 

"The exact extent of damage to the railway tracks can only be assessed after the floodwaters recede," the railway said in a statement.
 

The suspension of train services comes amid worsening flood conditions across Assam, with rising river levels affecting transport infrastructure and disrupting normal life in several districts.