Lumding Train Services Resume After Landslide Disrupts Northeast Connectivity
Train operations on the critical Lumding–Badarpur Hill section have been fully restored after a sudden landslide halted services on July 3. Debris and boulders that had blocked the tracks between Dihakho and Mupa stations were cleared overnight, enabling the resumption of traffic by 9:42 am the next morning. The first train to pass through the restored route was the Agartala–Lokmanya Tilak Express, marking the return of vital passenger and freight connectivity in Assam’s hilly terrain.
The Lumding–Badarpur Hill section, a key rail corridor connecting Assam’s Barak Valley with the rest of the country, was brought to a standstill following a landslide caused by heavy rainfall. The incident occurred at KM 51/2-3, where large chunks of earth and boulders slid onto the tracks, creating a significant obstruction to movement. Responding swiftly, senior railway personnel and specialised crews reached the spot and initiated emergency restoration work through the night. Track clearance was conducted with caution to avoid further erosion, while temporary reinforcement was added to stabilise the hillside. By early morning, the section was declared safe, and operations resumed. Relief arrangements such as help desks, food supplies, and updated communication channels were kept active at major junctions like Guwahati, Silchar, Lumding, and Agartala to ensure continued passenger support. The prompt action not only minimised disruption but also reinforced trust in the emergency preparedness of the rail network.
The disruption had left several trains delayed or regulated across the region, affecting hundreds of passengers in transit. However, the timely restoration of the Lumding–Badarpur section ensured that these services resumed their journey with minimal additional delay. Railway authorities deployed help desks at strategic stations to disseminate updates and assist stranded passengers. Food and water distribution was also arranged to reduce inconvenience during the wait. Passengers are now advised to use official railway inquiry systems for the most recent train schedules. The swift reopening of the section is significant not only for passenger traffic but also for the movement of goods through the region, especially as the Hill section serves as a logistical lifeline to many northeastern states. Experts noted that given the terrain’s vulnerability during monsoon, more pre-emptive structural safeguards and slope stabilisation will be necessary to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure long-term rail resilience.
The full restoration of the Lumding–Badarpur Hill section within hours of the landslide is a testament to the operational efficiency and emergency coordination among regional railway authorities. With passenger and freight services back on track, connectivity in the hilly belt of Assam is now stabilised. Authorities have urged commuters to stay informed through official platforms as post-landslide inspection and monitoring continue. Moving forward, infrastructural reinforcements, early warning systems, and enhanced drainage measures are being considered to mitigate future risks. The event has once again highlighted the importance of rapid-response mechanisms for infrastructure resilience in India’s monsoon-vulnerable zones.
