The Assam government has stepped up relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected Dhemaji district, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assuring that every available resource is being deployed to support affected families. The announcement comes as train services on a key railway section in the district have been suspended indefinitely after severe erosion damaged a railway bridge.
In a post on X, Sarma said he has been closely monitoring the flood situation since it began unfolding in Dhemaji. Expressing concern over the hardships faced by residents, he said the state government stands firmly with people affected by the floods and is committed to providing all necessary assistance.
The Chief Minister said the administration is focusing on both immediate relief measures and long-term rehabilitation of families impacted by the disaster. He added that all available government resources have been mobilised to ensure the safety, relief and recovery of those affected.
To strengthen relief operations, Sarma directed Water Resources Minister Susanta Borgohain and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta to remain stationed in Dhemaji and oversee the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. He reiterated that the government is making every possible effort to minimise the impact of the floods.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 16,000 people across 69 villages under four revenue circles in Dhemaji district have been affected by the floods.
Meanwhile, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has suspended train operations indefinitely between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations after heavy rainfall and severe riverbank erosion damaged a railway bridge located at kilometre 408/11-13.
In a statement, the NFR said the bridge, originally constructed in 1965 and later converted to broad gauge, had remained structurally sound until heavy rains washed away a substantial portion of the riverbank, destabilising one of its piers.
Railway authorities clarified that no train was involved in the incident and no injuries were reported. Train services on the low-traffic branch line had already been suspended as a precaution due to rising river levels before the bridge sustained damage.
The NFR said train services between Murkongselek and Silapathar in the Tinsukia Division will remain suspended until further notice. Trains operating on the route will now originate from and terminate at Silapathar.
To minimise inconvenience to passengers, the railway has arranged bus services between Murkongselek and Silapathar. Help desks have also been established at Dhemaji, Silapathar and Murkongselek railway stations to assist travellers, while railway officials continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the Assam government and the district administration.
