Assam: Incessant rainfall triggers landslide, disrupts traffic on Silchar–Haflong Highway

Incessant rainfall has disrupted traffic movement along the Silchar–Haflong National Highway, triggering landslides in Dima Hasao district, highlighting the vulnerability of the route even before the onset of the monsoon.

According to officials, a landslide occurred on Wednesday, April 22, at Dalaichung, located between Jatinga and Harangajao, following rainfall during the day. Soil from adjacent hillsides slid onto the roadway, leading to a temporary suspension of vehicular movement along the stretch. The debris was cleared later in the afternoon, and traffic resumed.

However, fresh rainfall in the evening led to another landslide at the same location. Large trees also fell onto the highway, again disrupting traffic movement on the route. Restoration work was initiated by authorities with support from local residents.

The disruption comes amid ongoing infrastructure development on the corridor. A 25-kilometre four-lane stretch between Jatinga and Harangajao is currently under construction as part of the Silchar–Saurashtra East-West Corridor project. However, work on two railway overbridges at Dalaichung remains incomplete.

Earlier, on April 14, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director Yogesh Rao had stated that even partial opening of a two-lane section would not be feasible before June due to pending construction of the overbridges.

Meanwhile, residents of Dalaichung village have reported damage to agricultural land, gardens and residential structures, which they attribute to ongoing construction activities. Alleging that compensation has not been provided by the NHAI, locals have halted construction work since Tuesday.

Authorities said efforts are underway to restore normal traffic movement along the affected stretch. The recurring landslides have raised concerns over road safety and preparedness ahead of the monsoon season.