Train Operations Severely Impacted Due to Severe Floods in Assam; Over Half a Dozen Trains Canceled Under Katihar Division, Uncertainty Looms Over Two Trains Running from Bhagalpur to Assam
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: The impact of the horrific floods and torrential rains in the northeastern state of Assam is now clearly visible on the railway routes of Bihar. According to reports received from the railways, more than half a dozen important trains heading toward and coming from Assam under the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) have been canceled as a precautionary measure. On the other hand, a state of uncertainty still prevails regarding the operation of two major trains heading from the Silk City Bhagalpur railway station toward Assam, causing deep concern among passengers.
Northeast Trains Disrupted Due to Floods and Waterlogging in Assam
Continuous heavy rains across various districts of Assam—especially Sivasagar, Tinsukia, and Mariani—have caused rivers to swell. With water flowing over railway tracks and bridges, the Northeast Frontier Railway has taken stringent steps from a safety perspective:
Major Canceled Trains: More than half a dozen trains originating from and passing through various stations in the Katihar Division and the northeastern region have had their operations completely canceled. These include several passenger, DEMU, and intercity express trains.
Diversions and Short Terminations: Many long-distance express trains are either being short-terminated midway or diverted via alternative routes, resulting in massive changes to train schedules.
Uncertainty Persists Over Trains from Bhagalpur to Assam
Amidst this natural disaster, the hardships for passengers traveling from Bhagalpur Junction toward Assam have multiplied:
Statement of the Station Superintendent: Sharing information regarding this, Bhagalpur Station Superintendent Vinay Prakash stated that the situation in the flood-affected areas of Assam is being monitored closely by railway headquarters.
Waiting for Instructions from Headquarters: He clarified that no official and final directive has yet been received from railway headquarters regarding the complete cancellation or diversion of the two major trains heading from the Bhagalpur route toward Assam. These trains are currently operating according to their scheduled timetables, but considering the sensitivity of the situation, changes could be made at any moment.
Railway's Advice for Passengers and Confusion
Due to sudden train cancellations and the uncertain situation, confusion is witnessed among passengers who have booked tickets at Bhagalpur Junction:
Appeal to Check Status Before Traveling: The railway administration has urged passengers to check the live status of their trains via the NTES portal or the railway helpline number 139 before setting out for Assam or the Northeast, to avoid any inconvenience along the way.
Arrangements for Food and Security: Vigilance is also being maintained at railway stations anticipating the possibility of trains heading toward flood-affected regions getting stranded.
This fury of nature in Assam has once again heavily impacted the country's transport system and the railway lifeline connecting the Northeast. The cancellation of trains in the Katihar Division and the uncertainty surrounding trains from Bhagalpur to Assam indicate that until the weather improves and floodwaters recede, railway services to the Northeast will not fully return to normalcy.
