Agartala, June 28, 2025: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is making rapid strides to restore the disrupted Lumding–Badarpur Hill Section at KM 108/6-8, which was severely damaged by multiple earth slips triggered by incessant rains. General Manager of NFR, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, visited the affected site to assess the on-ground situation, review the progress, and boost the morale of field teams.

In a press release issued on Friday evening, NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishor Sharma stated that Shrivastava has directed officials to deploy maximum manpower and machinery to expedite the restoration process. “Restoring this vital hill section is our top priority. The teams are working tirelessly despite extremely challenging conditions,” Sharma said.

As part of the restoration efforts, 20,000 cubic meters of earth are being removed from the hill slopes, with 14,100 cubic meters already cleared. In the track area, 3,000 cubic meters of debris were targeted for removal, of which 2,850 cubic meters have been cleared. Additionally, 1,27,000 cubic meters of slipped earth have been removed from surrounding vulnerable hill slopes. To improve drainage, 600 meters of new kutcha drains are being constructed, and 400 meters of existing hillside drains have been cleaned. Furthermore, jungle cutting has been completed over an area of 12,000 square meters, and 1,200 square meters of hill slope have been protected using non-woven geotextile materials.

The work is being executed by a large workforce using heavy machinery. However, progress remains hampered by the rugged terrain. Dumpers operate over an 800-meter stretch of narrow, slippery road, and in inaccessible cutting zones, eight excavators are operating in series, with the final stages of clearance being done manually.

General Manager Shrivastava’s site visit served as a major morale booster for the workforce. “His presence motivated everyone to give their best in these trying times,” the CPRO added.

Due to ongoing restoration, several trains have been cancelled or partially cancelled for passenger safety. NFR has urged passengers to monitor official railway communication channels for updates on train services and restoration timelines.

Despite logistical hurdles, NFR reaffirmed its commitment to restoring normalcy in the hill section with utmost urgency and safety.