Agartala, June 23: Rail connectivity to Tripura has been severely disrupted following a massive landslide along the Lumding–Badarpur hill section, forcing the suspension of train services and the short termination of several major trains.
The incident occurred between New Haflong and Jatinga Lampur, triggered by ongoing road repair work undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During the construction, a section of the slope between the road and the railway track gave way, causing boulders and soil to slide onto the railway line.
Officials from the Lumding Division of Northeast Frontier Railway reported that water is also flowing onto the track, posing serious safety risks. As a precautionary measure, services along the Lumding–New Haflong–Badarpur stretch have been suspended with immediate effect. The railway authorities have written to the NHAI, urging immediate protection measures with manpower and equipment to stabilize the slope.
As a direct result, several Tripura-bound and outbound trains have been affected:
- 12501 Kolkata–Agartala Garib Rath Express (22 June): Short terminated at Guwahati
- 20501 Agartala–Anand Vihar Tejas Express (23 June): Short terminated at Badarpur
- 12519 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Agartala Express (22 June): Short terminated at Guwahati
In addition, trains including the Guwahati–Silchar Express, Rangiya–Silchar Express, and Naharlagun–Silchar Special have been cancelled. The Silchar–New Delhi Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express, originally scheduled to depart on 23 June, will now depart at 6:00 AM on 24 June.
Restoration work is underway, but services will resume only after ensuring complete safety of the affected section. Passengers are advised to check updates via official railway communication channels.