Patna: Train operations on the new double-line rail bridge over the Ganga at Mokama in Bihar are expected to begin in October, with trains likely to run at speeds of 110 to 140 kmph, according to reports.
Before the bridge is commissioned, railway authorities will undertake non-interlocking (NI) work from September 20 to October 4. Around 338 train services are expected to be cancelled on different dates during this period, while several others will be diverted or regulated.
The changes are likely to affect passengers travelling during the festive season.
Around 30 Train Pairs From Patna To Be Affected
According to reports, nearly 30 pairs of trains originating from or passing through Patna will be affected by the NI work.
Several trains will remain cancelled, while some services will operate on altered routes or be stopped short of their destinations during the work.
Services reported to be affected include the Howrah-Mokama Express, Mokama-Howrah Express, Howrah-Jaynagar Express, Jaynagar-Patna Express, Patna-Jaynagar Express, Mokama-Kiul and Kiul-Patna trains.
Rs 1,700 Crore Project
The rail project has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,700 crore. The main bridge over the Ganga is around 1.86 km long, while the entire project, including connecting railway tracks, extends for approximately 14 km.
The new infrastructure is expected to ease congestion faced by trains waiting at outer signals in the Mokama-Barauni section.
The project will improve rail connectivity between parts of North and South Bihar, including Patna, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Samastipur, Khagaria and the Seemanchal region.
Trains From Neighbouring States Also Affected
The scheduled NI work is expected to affect trains operating through Bihar from neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.
Passengers travelling on routes passing through the affected section are likely to face changes in train timings, routes and services during the construction-related work.
New Bridge To Connect Key Junctions
According to the Railways, the new bridge will improve connectivity between Upper Hathidah, Tal Junction, Rampur Dumra, Dinkar Gram Simaria and Barauni Junction.
The existing Ganga bridge has a single railway line. The parallel double-line bridge was constructed to address operational and technical limitations associated with the existing infrastructure.
Once commissioned, the new bridge is expected to increase line capacity and enable faster movement of trains through the section.
