The Assam Mizoram rail link has been disrupted after heavy rainfall caused soil erosion near railway tracks between Jamira in Assam and Bairabi in Mizoram. Several trains have been cancelled, while others have been short-terminated or partially cancelled as restoration work continues.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said the damage occurred on the Katakhal-Bairabi section on the evening of September 3. Around 70 metres of track has been affected, and train movement on the damaged stretch has been suspended for safety reasons.
Heavy rain damages Assam Mizoram rail link
According to NFR, soil erosion developed near the track following heavy rainfall. The affected section lies between Jamira in Assam and Bairabi in Mizoram, making it an important part of the railway connection serving Mizoram.
The railway has sent personnel and materials to the site to begin repair work. However, officials said there is no direct road access to the affected location. Therefore, moving workers, equipment and materials to the site could make restoration more difficult and time-consuming.
NFR said the affected area extends up to about 40 metres from the centre of the track. Officials are assessing the site and monitoring the restoration process closely.
Several trains cancelled or short-terminated
The disruption has affected multiple services operating through the Assam Mizoram rail link. Among the trains cancelled for September 4 are the Guwahati-Sairang Express, Silchar-Bairabi Express, Sairang-Kolkata Express and Bairabi-Silchar Express.
Services scheduled for September 5 have also been affected. These include the Silchar-Sairang Express and Sairang-Silchar Express, according to details released by railway authorities.
Meanwhile, the Sairang-Guwahati Express was short-originated from Hailakandi instead of Sairang. Its service between Sairang and Hailakandi has been cancelled. The Sairang-Anand Vihar Terminal Express has also been short-originated from Hailakandi, with its Sairang-Hailakandi portion cancelled.
Passengers receive road transport support
The disruption has also affected passengers travelling towards Aizawl. Railway authorities arranged road transportation for around 900 passengers stranded after the disruption.
Reports said 16 buses were deployed from Sairang to help passengers continue their journey towards Aizawl. The arrangement is intended to reduce the impact of the temporary suspension of the Assam Mizoram rail link.
The Silchar-Bairabi Passenger train was also stopped at Jamira. Road transport was arranged for passengers travelling towards Bairabi, while railway staff provided assistance at affected stations.
Helpdesks and passenger assistance
NFR has put passenger assistance measures in place at several locations. Drinking water and light refreshments are being provided at Jamira, Bairabi and Sairang stations.
Additionally, railway helpdesks have been made operational at Guwahati, Lumding, Naharlagun, Badarpur and Sairang. These facilities are intended to provide passengers with information about cancellations, altered services and available assistance.
Passengers travelling through the Assam Mizoram rail link have been advised to check the latest train status before beginning their journey, as operations remain subject to the progress of restoration work.
Restoration work underway on key route
The damaged section is now under active restoration, but railway officials have cautioned that the difficult site conditions may affect the pace of repairs. The absence of direct road access is a particular challenge for engineering teams working to restore the line.
The Assam Mizoram rail link is expected to remain affected until the damaged track is repaired and declared safe for normal operations. Meanwhile, NFR is continuing to monitor the site and coordinate passenger assistance.
For travellers, the immediate priority is to verify train schedules before departure and use the alternative transport arrangements announced by the railway. Further changes will depend on weather conditions, restoration progress and the safety assessment of the affected track.