Flood havoc in Assam! Railway bridge broken, roads broken and connectivity with many villages lost; Watch the video of the devastation

The continuous torrential rains in Assam have badly affected life as well as the transport system. The railway bridge over the Simen river in Dhemaji district has collapsed, after which the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has stopped train services on the affected route with immediate effect. It is a matter of relief that no passenger or train was harmed in this incident.

Due to heavy rains, the water level of rivers is continuously rising and the situation of erosion has become serious in many areas. Along with railways, road connectivity has also been affected. Meanwhile, due to the strong flood in the Kemi river, a 300 meter long iron bridge was also washed away, due to which many villages have been completely cut off.

How did the bridge break and wash away?

According to Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, more than 110 mm of rain was recorded in Dhemaji and surrounding areas. Incessant rains caused severe erosion on the banks of the Simen River, due to which a pillar of the railway bridge became unstable and a part of the bridge was damaged. Railway officials said that this bridge was built in the year 1965 and was later converted into a broad gauge line.

Where were train services stopped?

Following the damage to the bridge, train operations between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations have been suspended until further notice. Apart from this, a temporary ban has also been imposed on all train services running between Murkongselek and Silapathar under Tinsukia division. Railways clarified that this branch line is less busy and in view of the flood situation, the operation of trains had already been stopped. Therefore, there was no harm to any train or passenger.

What are the arrangements for the passengers?

Keeping in mind the convenience of passengers, Railways has started bus service between Silapathar and Murkongselek. At the same time, help desks have also been set up at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek railway stations, where travel related information and assistance is being provided to the passengers. Railway officials, along with the district administration and the state government, are constantly monitoring the situation.

What did the local people say?

After the incident, a local resident said, “Today the flood water washed away the iron bridge of our village. Heavy water flow has been coming from Arunachal Pradesh since 11:00 am. We did not expect the bridge to be washed away, but at around 11:30 am suddenly the water level increased and the Kemi river is in spate.”

In view of the continuous rain and flood situation, the local administration and railway department are fully alert. The situation in the affected areas is being monitored and efforts are being made to ensure relief and transportation arrangements as per requirement.