Gaya Railway Station Faces Major Disruption as Platforms Close for Six Weeks
In a significant development affecting rail connectivity in Bihar, the East Central Railway (ECR) officials have given their approval for a comprehensive mega block at Gaya railway station. This decision will result in the complete suspension of all operations on platform numbers 2 and 3 for a duration of six weeks, commencing from February 5.
Extensive Train Service Modifications Announced
The platform closure has necessitated substantial alterations to train schedules, with numerous services originating from or passing through Gaya being cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated. Railway authorities have confirmed that operations on these critical platforms will remain suspended until March 21, marking one of the most extensive disruptions in recent memory for this important railway junction.
Originally scheduled to begin on January 27, the mega block was subsequently deferred to allow for better planning and coordination. The temporary shutdown is essential to facilitate crucial infrastructure works including:
- Comprehensive track maintenance and renewal
- Installation of an improved signaling system
- Air concourse garter and girder installation
Part of Ambitious Rs 300 Crore Renovation Project
This development work forms an integral component of the nearly Rs 300 crore project aimed at transforming Gaya railway station according to international standards of safety and passenger amenities. The ambitious renovation plan encompasses station development, expansion, and comprehensive modernization to enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers who utilize this important transit point annually.
Specific Train Service Alterations Detailed
According to railway officials, the Patna-Gaya section will experience the most severe impact from the platform closures. Eight passenger trains operating on this crucial route will now terminate at Chakand station, located approximately 8 kilometers north of Gaya railway station. The Patna-Gaya passenger service will remain completely suspended throughout the disruption period until March 21.
Additional significant changes include:
- Termination Points Modified: Several important trains including the Anand Vihar-Gaya and Lucknow-Gaya Ekatmata services will now terminate at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction. The Kamakhya Express will conclude its journey at Manpur station, situated to the east of the river Falgu.
- Route Diversions Implemented: Multiple trains will operate via alternative routes during this period:
- Bhabhua-Patna Express will run via the Sasaram-Ara route
- Ganga-Damodar Express will operate via Islampur
- Hatia-Patna Express will travel via Bakhtiarpur
- Reduced Rake Operations: Some trains will operate with fewer coaches to accommodate operational constraints:
- Patna-Ranchi Jan Shatabdi Express will run with 18 rakes instead of the normal 22
- Singrauli-Patna Express will operate with 18 rakes against the standard 20
Rail Users Express Concerns Over Passenger Convenience
While acknowledging the necessity of station development and renovation, Kaushalendra Pratap Singh, a member of the zonal rail users advisory committee, has urged officials to minimize passenger inconvenience. Singh specifically highlighted concerns regarding the termination of several important trains at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, which is located more than 200 kilometers from Gaya.
"While the termination of trains at Chakand and Manpur may be acceptable as these new terminal points are less than 10 kilometers from Gaya railway station, the termination of several important trains at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction makes little practical sense," Singh stated. "This new arrangement will cause significant inconvenience to passengers who rely on these services for their daily commute and travel needs."
The railway authorities have assured that they are working to accommodate as many trains as possible during this challenging period, balancing the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades with the essential requirement of maintaining passenger connectivity in the region.
