Train services on the Murkongselek–Silapathar route have been suspended after a railway bridge collapsed near Archipathar in Assam’s Dhemaji district due to heavy rainfall and severe riverbank erosion. According to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), more than 110 mm of rainfall triggered flooding, causing one of the bridge’s piers to become unstable after a large section of the riverbank was washed away.
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the bridge, originally built in 1965 and later converted to broad gauge, had remained structurally safe until the recent erosion weakened its foundation. He confirmed that no train was damaged and no injuries were reported, as train movement had already been halted because of flooding.
Rail operations between Archipathar and Simen Chapari stations will remain suspended until further notice. Trains on the route will originate and terminate at Silapathar, while bus services are being arranged for passengers travelling between Murkongselek and Silapathar. Help desks have also been opened at Dhemaji, Silapathar, and Murkongselek stations to assist commuters.
Meanwhile, the Assam Chief Minister has deployed ministers to the affected area to oversee relief measures and assess the situation. Railway authorities are closely monitoring developments in coordination with the district and state administrations.
