Mountain railway closure sparks fuel and food shortages in Northeast India

The closure of the goods train on the Lamding-Badarpur hill railway route since April 25th has plunged Northeast India into uncertainty, triggering fuel and food shortages in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and parts of South Assam as petrol depots face imminent closure. Despite this, several long-distance express trains continue to operate through the route, highlighting the disconnect between freight and passenger services.

Meanwhile, the ongoing railway work supervised by 15 top workers, including DRM Prem Ranjan Kumdar, has encountered delays due to challenges in sourcing quality materials like crusher dust and suitable soil, compounded by poor road conditions hindering material transportation.

As the mountain railway remains partially operational and essential supplies face delays, the situation in Northeast India remains precarious. The closure of fuel-filled trains carrying cargo exacerbates existing challenges, leading to concerns about the region's ability to meet its basic needs.

 Despite efforts by railway authorities and workers, logistical hurdles and material shortages prolong the restoration process, leaving the railway network and the communities it serves in a state of uncertainty.

With essential items taking up to 36 hours to reach their destinations by rail and infrastructure challenges persisting, the full restoration of the mountain railway and normalcy in the region appear distant.

 As authorities grapple with ongoing issues and work towards resolving them, the urgency of the situation underscores the need for coordinated efforts to address logistical bottlenecks and ensure the timely delivery of critical supplies to communities in Northeast India.