Underground Water Raises Fresh Concern Over Railway Restoration at New Harangajao:Alternative bridge being considered for Lines 1 and 2; possibility of six-month mega block looms
Hills Live News
Anup Kumar Biswas,
Haflong, August 30: The restoration of the vital Badarpur Hill railway section has run into a fresh challenge with the discovery of a substantial quantity of underground water near New Harangajao, raising concerns over the long-term stability of the railway track.
According to railway sources, the affected portion falls around chainage 118/1-3 km near New Harangajao station, where underground water accumulation has complicated efforts to restore Lines 1 and 2. Given the difficult geological conditions of the hill terrain, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is reportedly examining the feasibility of constructing an alternative bridge structure to ensure a safe and permanent solution.
The development has also raised the possibility of a mega block of around six months for undertaking extensive reconstruction work in the affected stretch. However, no final decision on the duration of the block or the train operation plan has yet been taken.
Railway sources said the presence of underground water has raised concerns over the stability of the soil and foundation beneath the tracks. Reconstruction work on the damaged portions of Lines 1 and 2 is already underway, but the complex geological conditions and waterlogging are making conventional restoration methods difficult.
Against this backdrop, railway authorities are studying an alternative bridge arrangement for the two affected lines. If the proposal is approved, prolonged restrictions on train movement may be necessary to facilitate the construction and associated engineering works.
Despite the possible extended block, railway authorities are considering maintaining limited long-distance train services through Line 3, so that passenger connectivity is not completely disrupted. The final operational plan is expected to depend on the progress of restoration, safety assessments and the feasibility of the proposed alternative infrastructure.
Meanwhile, restoration work is progressing on a war footing amid the difficult terrain and dense forest around the New Harangajao area. More than a hundred workers and railway personnel are engaged in the operation, with activities including soil testing, drainage, piling and strengthening of the railway formation being carried out simultaneously.
Railway sources said ADEN-II of Haflong, Gohen Riba, has been closely monitoring the restoration work at Harangajao. She has reportedly been making regular field visits, coordinating with workers and technical teams and reviewing the progress of the restoration work, including during extended working hours.
The Badarpur Hill railway section is a critical rail link for the connectivity of the Barak Valley and the hill districts of the region. The prolonged disruption at New Harangajao has therefore become a major concern for both passenger and freight movement.
For the railways, the immediate priority is to tackle the underground water problem and restore Lines 1 and 2 in a safe and sustainable manner. The feasibility and implementation of the proposed alternative bridge could prove crucial in determining when normal rail operations can be fully restored through this strategically important hill section.