Patna: Rail services connecting parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are set to face major disruptions after the railway administration imposed a 20-day “Mega Traffic Block” for track doubling and signalling work on the Narkatiaganj–Gorakhpur route.
The block will remain in effect from May 20 to June 9.
According to the North Eastern Railway, technical pre-interlocking and non-interlocking work is currently underway between Pipraich and Unaula railway stations in Uttar Pradesh.
Passenger Trains Cancelled During Block Period
Several daily passenger services operating on the route have been completely suspended during the construction period.
Among the affected trains:
- Train No. 55097 Narkatiaganj–Gorakhpur Cantt Passenger will remain cancelled from May 20 to June 9
- Train Nos. 55096, 55098, 55048, 55047 and 55039 will remain cancelled from May 20 to June 8
Railway officials said local passenger services have been the worst affected by the block.
Delhi, Punjab And Summer Special Trains Also Affected
The railway administration has also cancelled several long-distance Summer Special and Weekly Special trains on selected dates.
Cancelled services include:
- Train No. 04010 Delhi–Motihari Special on May 28 and June 4
- Train No. 04009 Sitamarhi–Delhi Special on May 30 and June 6
- Train No. 09451 Gandhidham–Bhagalpur Special on May 29 and June 5
- Train No. 09452 Bhagalpur–Gandhidham Special on June 1 and June 8
Passengers travelling from the Seemanchal region are also expected to face disruption.
Train No. 05579 Purnia Court–Anand Vihar Terminus Special will remain cancelled on:
- May 24 and 31
- June 5 and 7
Meanwhile, Train No. 05580 Anand Vihar Terminus–Purnia Court Special will not operate on:
- May 26
- June 2, 7 and 9
Several Express Trains To Run On Diverted Routes
Instead of cancelling certain major long-distance trains, the Railways has decided to divert them through alternative routes via:
- Muzaffarpur
- Chhapra Gramin
- Bhatni
- Gorakhpur
Sumit Kumar said the revised routing plan was intended to minimise inconvenience to passengers.
The following trains will operate on diverted routes on specified dates:
- Train No. 15705 Katihar–Delhi Express
- Train No. 15706 Delhi–Katihar Express
- Train No. 15052 Gorakhpur–Kolkata Express
- Train No. 15002 Dehradun–Muzaffarpur Express
- Train No. 19037 Bandra Terminus–Barauni Express
- Train No. 15530 Anand Vihar Terminus–Saharsa Express
- Train No. 19270 Muzaffarpur–Porbandar Express
- Train No. 19269 Porbandar–Muzaffarpur Express
The route’s prominent VIP train, Train No. 12557 Muzaffarpur–Anand Vihar Terminus Sapt Kranti Express, will also operate via the diverted Muzaffarpur–Chhapra–Bhatni route on June 7.
Delays Expected During Construction Period
Railway officials have warned passengers to expect delays in train arrivals and departures during the mega block period.
The administration has advised passengers to check updated schedules and train statuses before commencing their journeys.
