Land subsidence and soil erosion disrupt train services across West Bengal and Mizoram
Train services across West Bengal and the Northeast region faced major disruptions on September 4 due to land subsidence at New Farakka and heavy rain-driven soil erosion between Jamira and Bairabi. These unexpected weather and geographical challenges impacted numerous premium and regional rail routes, leaving passengers stranded or forced to seek alternative travel arrangements.
Key updates include the immediate cancellation of several key trains such as the Howrah to New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat and New Jalpaiguri to Howrah Shatabdi Express.
Railways arranged 16 buses to safely transport approximately 900 passengers heading towards Aizawl from Sairang after mid-journey terminations.
Helpdesks have been established at major stations including Guwahati, Lumding, Badarpur, and Sairang to assist travellers with refunds and live updates.
Train Cancellations and Status in West Bengal
Eastern Railway reported that land subsidence necessitated the immediate suspension of train movement on the affected line at New Farakka. The services scheduled for departure on September 4 that got cancelled include 13431 Nabadwip Dham to Balurghat, 22301 Howrah to New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat, 13063 Howrah to Balurghat, 13053 Howrah to Radhikapur, 22302 New Jalpaiguri to Howrah Vande Bharat, 63401 Sahibganj to Malda Town, 63402 Malda Town to Sahibganj, and 13173 Sealdah to Sabroom. Additionally, the Northeast Frontier Railway confirmed the cancellation of the 12042 New Jalpaiguri to Howrah Shatabdi Express for the same date. Disruptions for two trains also extended into September 5, with the 13162 Balurghat to Kolkata Express and the 13142 New Alipurduar to Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express cancelled for that day. Railway authorities advise travellers to verify status based on the specific journey originating date shown on their ticket rather than relying on standard station calendars.
Operational Impact and Passenger Relief in the Northeast
Soil erosion spanning about 50 metres forced the Northeast Frontier Railway to suspend services on the Katakhal to Bairabi route after damage occurred on the evening of September 3. Three services scheduled for September 4 were cancelled: 55668 Bairabi to Silchar, 13126 Sairang to Kolkata, and 55669 Silchar to Sairang. Some passengers faced mid-journey complications. The 15610 Sairang to Guwahati Express of September 3 was short-terminated at Bairabi and returned toward Sairang, while the 55667 Silchar to Bairabi passenger service was short-terminated at Jamira. Personnel at Jamira, Bairabi, and Sairang actively provided drinking water and light refreshments to those affected by the service suspensions. Passengers should check the National Train Enquiry System website, the official app, or call the helpline at 139 for real-time status updates, while online ticket holders will receive automatic refunds.