Haflong, July 3: Train operations in Assam's Dima Hasao district have been completely halted following a landslide near Mupa station on the Lumding–Badarpur hill route.

The landslide occurred around 14:45 hrs between km 51/2–3 DKE–MPP, resulting in the fall of approximately 30 large boulders and around 100 cubic meters of soil onto the railway tracks. Continuous small rock slides from the hill are raising additional safety concerns.

The Silchar–Guwahati Express (Train No. 15616) was halted by a vigilant watchman, prompting the loco pilot to engage the emergency brakes and reverse the train back to Mupa for safety.

To clear the debris, heavy machinery has been deployed, including one JCB and two excavators. The excavators are currently operating at km 53/2–3, while the JCB is being transported along the tracks and will be loaded onto a BFR at Mupa before proceeding to the affected area.

This blockage has led to several trains being held up in the direction towards Guwahati, including:

• The 15616 Silchar–Guwahati Express, which returned to Mupa at 15:18 hrs and is currently under control.
• The 13174 Kanchanjunga Express, which reached MXR at 16:05 hrs and is also under control.
• The 12520 Agartala–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express, which arrived at New Haflong at 16:00 hrs and is being managed.
• The 15618 Dharmanagar–Guwahati Express, which departed Dullabcherra at 15:347 hrs and is expected to be controlled at NHGJ.
• The 14619 Agartala–Firozpur Express, which arrived at Jatinga Lampur at 15:45 hrs for crossing and is likely to be managed en route.

Railway authorities have indicated that train services will only recommence once the landslide debris has been fully cleared from the tracks. Efforts are ongoing to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Previously, rail services on the crucial Lumding-Badarpur hill section were suspended on June 23 due to landslides affecting the tracks between New Haflong and Jatinga Lampur.