"Deteriorating Connectivity to Barak Valley," Gaurav Gogoi Writes to PM Modi

In the wake of a connectivity crisis in Assam’s Barak Valley, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi has written a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for urgent and long-term action to address the region’s chronic isolation during the monsoon.

The communication comes amid the complete shutdown of both road and rail links to the valley following landslides and infrastructure collapses along key transport corridors. Gogoi’s letter highlights what he calls the “fragile and deteriorating connectivity to Assam’s Barak Valley,” which he says has “once again reached a crisis point during this year’s monsoon season.”

He wrote, "The Lumding-Badarpur railway section, passing through the vulnerable hills of Dima Hasao, has now become synonymous with chronic disruption. In just the past five years, this stretch has seen at least seven major breakdowns due to landslides, embankment washouts, and fragile infrastructure. Rail service is suspended for weeks, stranding thousands."

Barak Valley, home to over 40 lakh people, has been rendered virtually inaccessible following the suspension of train services along the Lumding–Badarpur railway section due to landslides in the Dima Hasao hills. This stretch, Gogoi notes, “has now become synonymous with chronic disruption,” with “at least seven major breakdowns” in the past five years caused by landslides, embankment washouts, and decaying infrastructure.

The situation is no better on the highways. National Highways 6, 27, and 37—especially near Sonapur, Jatinga, and Harangajao—have seen repeated blockages due to landslides and damaged culverts. The most alarming blow came with the recent collapse of the Harang Bridge on the Silchar–Kalain route, despite a reported ₹137 crore being spent on its repair. Gogoi said the incident reflects the “fragile state of road infrastructure.”

With both rail and road routes now blocked, air travel has become the only alternative—but it remains out of reach for most. “One-way airfare between Silchar and Guwahati has crossed ₹15,000–18,000, more than ten times the usual rate between Agartala and Guwahati,” Gogoi pointed out.

In his letter, the Congress leader called the situation a matter of economic justice and national integration. “Yet the lack of dependable transport infrastructure is stalling economic development, discouraging investment, delaying medical referrals, and pushing the region's youth into despair,” he wrote.

While civil society and elected representatives have raised the issue time and again, Gogoi said a “long-term, accountable solution remains elusive.” 

He urged the Centre to act decisively and laid out some steps:

Double-line and landslide-proof the Lumding-Badarpur railway section using modern engineering and geo-barriers.

Sanction and expedite the alternative Lanka-Chandranathpur (Maynarbond) rail line as a second corridor.

Restore road connectivity immediately through the coordinated deployment of BRO and NHAI.

Construct climate-resilient alternate bypasses to ensure uninterrupted access during monsoons.

Reintroduce Air India or UDAN-subsidised flights between Silchar, Guwahati, and Kolkata and regulate airfare during road and rail suspensions through DGCA and MoCA intervention.

Launch a Connectivity Revival Package for durable multi-modal transport, including inland waterways via the Barak River.

Calling attention to the broader implications, Gogoi remarked, “The people of Barak Valley have shown remarkable resilience in the face of repeated disruptions, but resilience alone cannot substitute for reliable infrastructure.”

He urged the Prime Minister to respond with a “clear and time-bound roadmap,” pledging his full support for efforts that would improve transport and ease the hardships of the region’s residents.

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