HAFLONG, June 28 - �The resumption of Lumding-Silchar rail service which has remained disrupted since May 16 due to damage in the foundation of the track following landslides near Migrengdisa on route is likely to start from July 10 next though we have set July 7 as the target to open the line for traffic�, said a confident RP Jingar, Chief Engineer, NF Rly at the restoration site near Migrengdisa on Sunday.
Jingar, who is considered to be the most acquainted with the behaviour and character of this hill section and has also served for a long period in this hills section in many positions, disclosed that right from day one they have been trying their best to restore the communication and had also succeeded for a few days. �But soon we become helpless at the hands of Nature, since a hillock of the size 150 metres by 60 metres depth began to slide at a 45 degree angle (not straight) causing swelling of the track foundation. We have adopted several means as prescribed by experts and also by the geologists but swelling of track foundation could not be checked as of now. Therefore we decided to divert the affected portion of 220 metre by cutting the hillock, which will require a few more days and also the absence of rain. But at the same we would also take care of the main track. At least 10 excavators were engaged to expedite the restoration work and several officials are doing their best day in and day out� Jingar said adding that he is concerned for the people of Dima Hasao in particular and appreciates them for their cooperation during such a situation.
Barun Adhikari, Geologist of GEO-Consultant, who has been monitoring each day�s work as well as the geological changes etc., said that the hillock on the side of the track measuring 150 meter X 60 metre and of depth 60 metre is moving 12 metre downwards at a 45 degree angle resulting in the swelling of the track foundation. �To check this swelling we have taken measures including using synthetic clothes on the upstream of hillock so that rain water would not go inside the cracked hillock which might minimise the sliding of the hillock.
The people of Dima Hasao while appreciating the untiring efforts of the Railway officials who are working day and night for the restoration of the train services and the recent resumption of the Silchar-Haflong train communication from June 23 for five days in a week appealed to the authority concerned to introduce a train between Lumding and Mahur also which would be a great help for the people southern Assam including Dima Hasao. The people of Dima Hasao have expressed their great satisfaction over the Railway authority for its concern for the people of the district.
