A landslide caused by heavy rain has destroyed the under-construction Kawnpui railway station in Mizoram, leaving many narrowly escaping harm.
A landslide caused by heavy rain has destroyed the under-construction Kawnpui railway station in Mizoram, leaving many narrowly escaping harm. Due to continuous rainfall, a landslide swept down from the nearby hills, completely demolishing the under-construction station. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, but many people had to run for safety, shouting and scrambling in different directions to save their lives.
Over the past few days, Mizoram has experienced numerous landslides due to relentless rains, affecting several districts. On Wednesday afternoon, a major landslide occurred in the Kolasib district near the Kawnpui area, completely flattening the railway station under construction.
Experts suggest that the landslide was caused by the destruction of the surrounding forest and the unscientific methods used in cutting the hill’s soil, which has upset the natural balance of the environment.
This landslide has raised concerns about the direct rail service from Mizoram to Guwahati. The railway department had just given clearance for train movement from Bhairabi to Kawnpui after a CRS inspection, but now the future of this project is uncertain.
Last year, a bridge collapse in Mizoram killed many workers, further highlighting the region’s fragile infrastructure. Additionally, recent river erosion near Jamira station in the Hailakandi district has swallowed a large portion of the railway track, cutting off Mizoram from rail services since August 20.
With two major incidents back-to-back, restoring train services has become a significant challenge for the railway department.