Landslip at construction site in Lumding – Guwahati section; 2 dead, Ghy – Silchar, other trains cancelled

During construction of a Road Under Bridge at km 31/3-4 between Panbari -Thakurkuchi stations in the Guwahati — Lumding section under Lumding Division of N.F. Railway earth fell down over a few labours who were working on the site.

The construction of the Road Under Bridge was going on for the seamless and safe movement of local people including villagers of the area by replacing an existing level crossing gate (ST-20).

“The incident occurred at about 13-30hrs today when concrete slabs were being placed after earth cutting by the engaged staff of the contractor. At the time of placement of concrete slabs, the earth fell down on labours who were working in the area. Altogether 9 people got trapped in the incident. 7 persons could be rescued with the help of local authorities. However, 2 labours lost their lives in the incident,” informed NF Railways through a press release.

It added, “4 people who received injury were shifted to GMC promptly for further treatment. Railway authority is extending all necessary helps to the injured labours.”

Senior railway officials including Additional Divisional Railway Manager and Chief Bridge Engineer from Guwahati are already at the site. It may be mentioned here that, Road Under Bridge or Road Over Bridge is being constructed all over Indian Railways for ensuring the safety of road users and also for ensuring the safety of train passengers.

“N.F. Railway will also hold an enquiry to find out the reason leading to the unfortunate incident,” stated the press statement.

In view of non-clearance of traffic block near Thakurkuchi station for construction of Road Under Bridge at 31/3-4 by replacing an existing level crossing gate (ST-20), NF Railways informed that some trains had to be either regulated or cancelled as per details given below:

1. 05611 UP Guwahati – Silchar Express special schedule to leave from Guwahati on 13.02.2021 is cancelled.

2. 05770 DN Lumding – Alipurduar special is controlled at Jagiroad.

3. 05616 DN Silchar – Guwahati special is controlled at Chaparmukh.

4. 03174 DN Agartala –Sealdah special is controlled at Hojai.

5. 02424 UP New Delhi – Dibrugarh Rajdhani special is controlled at Guwahati.

“Senior railway officials are at site monitoring the restoration work. Train running is expected to start by late night today,” stated the press statement.

On the other hand, Silchar – Guwahati train has been controlled near Chaparmukh and the passengers are in deep distress. A passenger tweeted, “We are stranded at Chaparmukh Station at Silchar -guwahati 05616. No communication received about departure. On the contrary train is not even at any platform. Such a pathetic experience.”