Assam flood: NF Rly adds coaches in trains for stranded passengers

Guwahati: Vehicular movement in Assam has been heavily disrupted in the wake of the second wave of floods that hit the state a few days ago, claiming nearly 30 lives and adversely affecting over 50 lakh people across 32 districts.

Flood waters have also deluged parts of National Highway-37 in Kaziranga, Morigaon, Bokakhat, Dergaon and Jhakhalabandha areas of the state disrupting normal traffic movement and causing discomfort to commuters travelling between upper and lower Assam districts.

In such a scenario, railways have become a preferred mode of transportation for most people.

Keeping in mind the safety and urgency of movement for people in different parts of state, the Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has decided to add additional coaches in as many as 10 popular trains connecting important stations of upper and lower Assam.

The railway authorities have ordered to add at least two extra coaches in each train keeping in mind the heavy rush.

Informing about the development, Union minister for railways Piyush Goyal took to his official Twitter handle on Tuesday.

In a statement, NF railways informed that one second-class coach will be added each in 12068/12067- Guwahati- Jorhat Town Jan Shatapdi express; 55725/55726- New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar Jn passenger; 55753/55754- Alipurduar-Guwahati passenger; 15717/15718- Guwahati-Mariani passenger; 55820/55819-Guwahati- Mendipathar passenger respectively from July 17 to 24.

Also Read: Assam sprinter Hima Das’ gold rush on, bags 4th in 15 days

The railway authorities have further ordered to add two second-class coaches in 15928/15927- New Tinsukia- Rangia express on July 20, 21, 23 and 24 from Tinsukia and on July 19, 20, 22 and 23 from Rangia; 15968/15967 -Dibrugarh- Rangia Express on July 18, 19 and 22 from Dibrugarh and on July 17,18, 21 and 24 from Rangiya.

Meanwhile, NF Railway has also decided to slow down trains in the Abhayapuri-Jogighopa section of Bongaigaon district as many flood-hit villagers have flocked to the railway embankments for shelter.

NF Railway chief public relations officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma said that a large number of people along with their essential belongings and cattle have been taking shelter on the railway embankments of the Goalpara-Jogighopa section for the past few days.

“In view of this, the railway authorities have imposed speed restrictions on the said route,” he added.