Karimganj (Assam): People of Barak Valley in Assam will undertake their last railway journey on the metre gauge track of the historical Silchar–Lumding route Monday with the Northeast Frontier Railway closing it for infrastructure and technical build up for a broad gauge track conversion from October 1 next.
The 15692 Down Cachar Express will have its last journey on the metre gauge track at 7:15 pm Sunday and 15694 Down Barak Valley Express will wind up its journey at 9:25 am of September 29, an official of the N F Railway said.
The journey through the engineering feat of the British and a picturesque scenic metre gauge rail route from Silchar to Lumding will then become part of history, the official said.
The metre gauge route covered a serpentine hills section going through green forests, rivulets and streams and mounting the highest ridge of Jatinga station known for oranges and migratory birds, he said.
For reaching Jatinga, one had to cross 37 tunnels. After conversion to broad gauge it will have 20 channels, he said.
Jatinga on the railway map will have a new name of Jatinga Lampur and Lower Haflong will become New Haflong, he said.
Agonising moments were those when passengers were detained in the hills for days, particularly during the monsoons and blockade of the track due to landslips, he said.
Built in the 19th century, the Silchar–Lumding Metre Gauge line has 37 tunnels, 586 bridges and 24 stations on the way through the difficult hilly terrain of North Cachar Hill with the steepest gradient on the Harangajao–Jatinga section. (PTI)
