Major Railway Disruptions in Bihar as Infrastructure Work Intensifies
The East Central Railway (ECR) has announced significant disruptions to train services in Bihar, with seven passenger trains cancelled and the routes of ten others diverted. This action is due to ongoing non-interlocking (NI) work at Neora station, which falls under the Danapur division. The work, which began on April 18, is scheduled to continue until April 26, as part of efforts to enhance rail connectivity on the new Neora-Jat Dumri rail line.
Cancellations and Diverted Routes Detailed
According to Saraswati Chandra, the chief public relations officer (CPRO) of ECR, the cancellations primarily affect short-distance passenger trains. Specifically, services between Patna and Sasaram, Patna and Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU), Patna and Ara, as well as DDU-Buxar passenger trains, have been suspended. Additionally, certain MEMU services operating between Patna and DDU have been temporarily withdrawn during this period.
In a move to facilitate the infrastructure upgrade, several long-distance trains have been rerouted. Key diversions include the New Delhi-Rajendra Nagar Terminal special (03294), which is now operating via the DDU-Gaya-Jehanabad-Patna route. Similarly, the Indore-Patna Express (19321) is running on an altered path via DDU-Gaya-Jehanabad. Other affected services include the Kamakhya-Delhi Express (15658), now diverted through Patna-Jehanabad-Gaya-DDU, and the Ajmer-Bhagalpur Express (13424), which is being operated via DDU-Gaya-Jehanabad-Patna instead of its usual DDU-Patna-Jhajha route.
Additional Operational Adjustments
The CPRO further highlighted that multiple other trains are experiencing operational changes. At least six trains have been short-terminated, while the departure of fifteen long-distance mail and express trains has been rescheduled. Moreover, twenty-one trains will run with controlled speed during the NI work period. Chandra emphasized that this non-interlocking work is crucial for commissioning the new rail line, aiming to ensure safer and more efficient train operations in the future.
To manage passenger rush, the railways has decided to run a special train pair (05503/05504) between Raxaul and Howrah on April 22 and 26. This special train will depart from Raxaul at 4:00 PM and arrive at Howrah at 8:15 AM the following day. On its return journeys on April 23 and 27, it will leave Howrah at 11:30 AM and reach Raxaul at 4:30 AM the next day.
These disruptions underscore the railways' commitment to infrastructure development, albeit with temporary inconveniences for travelers. Passengers are advised to check updated schedules and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid disruptions.
