The Lumding–Silchar rail service resumed on July 12, 2025, after a 10-day suspension caused by landslides and track washouts due to heavy monsoon rains. Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) confirmed that services are back, with key passenger trains operating again on the crucial route.
This line serves as a lifeline for southern Assam and its neighboring northeastern states, making its reopening a vital development for transport and trade.
Importance of the Lumding–Silchar Rail Service
The Lumding–Silchar rail service is one of the most strategic rail lines in Northeast India. It connects the Barak Valley with central Assam and provides transit links to Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram.
This route supports:
- Daily passenger travel
- Movement of goods and essentials
- Access to hill destinations like Haflong
“This is more than a rail line—it’s the pulse of the Barak Valley,” said an NFR spokesperson during the reopening announcement.
What Led to Suspension of the Lumding–Silchar Rail Service?
The service was halted on July 3, 2025, after heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides between New Haflong and Jatinga Lampur. Flooding and soil erosion damaged over 50 kilometers of railway track, forcing the suspension of:
- Kanchanjunga Express
- Silchar–Guwahati Passenger
- Arunai Express
Indian Railways deployed engineering teams to restore the tracks under challenging weather and terrain conditions.
Trains Back on Track: Lumding–Silchar Rail Service Updates
As of July 12, several important trains have resumed operations on the rail service. These include:
Active Trains:
- 15664 Kanchanjunga Express
- 15615 Silchar–Guwahati Express
- 05639 Arunai Special Express
All trains are operating with temporary speed restrictions of 10–15 km/h in vulnerable zones. For real-time info, passengers can check NTES or IRCTC.
Safety Measures on the Lumding–Silchar Rail Service Route
NFR has taken critical steps to enhance safety before resuming the rail service, including:
- Emergency track stabilization
- Realignment of damaged rails
- Drone-assisted slope inspections
“We’ve deployed extra monitoring staff and installed new drainage systems,” said NFR Chief Engineer P. Sharma.
More long-term solutions like landslide detection systems and reinforced embankments are being evaluated to prevent future disruptions.
Passenger Advisory: What You Should Know
If you’re planning to travel using the rail service, here are some tips:
- Use Rail Madad for complaints and queries
- Track your train on the NTES app
- Expect minor delays due to speed restrictions
- Avoid unverified travel updates on social media
- Indian Railways – Safety Guidelines
Community Response to the Reopening
The reopening of the rail service has been met with widespread relief. Traders and commuters across Barak Valley welcomed the move.
“We depend on this line for everything—rice, fuel, medicine,” said Jyoti Das, a shopkeeper from Silchar. “It feels like life is back on track.”
The 10-day disruption had left many residents and businesses stranded, highlighting the route’s critical role in the region’s economy and daily life.
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