East Coast Railway Cancels Multiple Trains for Major Puri Station Upgrade
In a significant development for railway infrastructure in Odisha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced the cancellation of three pairs of trains between March 14 and May 16, 2024. This decision has been taken to facilitate a comprehensive infrastructure upgradation project at the iconic Puri railway station, a key transportation hub in the region.
Details of the Cancelled Train Services
The railway authorities have specified the exact trains that will remain off the tracks during this nearly two-month period. The affected services include:
- Shalimar-Puri-Shalimar Special: This train service connecting Shalimar and Puri will be completely suspended.
- Puri-Bhanjpur-Puri Special: Another special train service operating between Puri and Bhanjpur will not run during the specified dates.
- Khurda Road-Puri-Khurda Road MEMU: The Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) service linking Khurda Road and Puri will also be cancelled as part of this infrastructure initiative.
Scope of the Infrastructure Upgrade Project
The railway upgrade work at Puri station involves two major components that require temporary suspension of train services. First, engineers will execute ballastless track construction within the station yard. This modern railway technology offers several advantages over traditional ballasted tracks, including reduced maintenance requirements, enhanced stability, and improved passenger comfort.
Secondly, the project includes the development and enhancement of platforms 7 and 8 at Puri railway station. This expansion and modernization of platform facilities is expected to significantly improve passenger handling capacity and overall station efficiency once completed.
Impact and Duration of the Project
The cancellation period spans from March 14 through May 16, affecting train services for approximately nine weeks. While this temporary disruption may inconvenience some passengers, railway officials emphasize that these upgrades are essential for long-term improvements to the station's infrastructure and operational capabilities.
The East Coast Railway has advised passengers who typically use these services to make alternative travel arrangements during this period. The railway administration has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public while ensuring the timely completion of this crucial infrastructure project.
