GUWAHATI: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) authority has maintained smooth operation of railway services and are running special trains in flood-hit Assam where operation of passenger vehicles has been disrupted in many parts because of over topping highways by flood water.
The NFR on Saturday informed that it would run special trains from Guwahati towards Murkongselek (Arunachal direction) and Silchar (South Assam). The passenger special train with 10 coaches will leave from Murkongselek at 07-35 hours on 16, 18 and 20 July, 2017 to arrive Guwahati at 19-10 hours with stoppages at Telem, Silapathar, Dhemaji, Biswanath Chariali, North Lakhimpur, Gogamukh, Hurmuti, Gohpur, Rangapara, Rangiya, Kamakhya on both ways. During return journey the special train will leave from Guwahati at 07-35 hours on 17, 19 and 21 July to arrive Murkongselek at 19-15 hours.
While the special train from Silchar having 12 coaches will leave from Silchar on 16, 18 and 20 July at 18.00 hours to arrive Guwahati next day at 07-45 hours. It will depart from Guwahati on 17, 19 and 21 July at 17-30 hours to arrive Silchar at 06-30 hours next day. It will have stoppages at Katakhal, Badarpur, New Haflong, Mahur, Maibong, Lumding, Hojai and Chaparmukh both ways.
The NFR has also deputed doctors and medical staff with materials to flood-affected North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam.
A special meeting was held on the flood situation of Assam at Railway Board which was attended by Railway Board members apart from Director General (Health) and Director General (RPF). The Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has instructed officials to ensure that drinking water supply, food grains, medicines, healthcare facilities and food grain movement for North East should be given priority.