Patna: Train operations on the Patna-Gaya rail section have been disrupted as the rising Punpun River continues to threaten railway infrastructure.
Water from the river has reached the girders of Bridge No. 21 on the down line, prompting the Railways to suspend train movement on the affected line as a safety precaution until further notice.
As a result, 10 MEMU trains scheduled to operate between Patna and Gaya on Sunday, September 6, have been cancelled.
10 MEMU trains cancelled
The following passenger services will remain cancelled:
- 63242 — Gaya-Patna MEMU
- 63244 — Gaya-Patna MEMU
- 63245 — Patna-Gaya MEMU
- 63247 — Patna-Gaya MEMU
- 63248 — Gaya-Patna MEMU
- 63251 — Patna-Gaya MEMU
- 63256 — Gaya-Patna MEMU
- 63274 — Patna-RGD MEMU
- 63250 — Gaya-Patna MEMU
- 63253 — Patna-Gaya MEMU
According to the Railways, water pressure has been building against the bridge since the night of September 4. The affected structure lies between kilometre markers 11/38 and 11/32 on the Patna-Parsa down line.
Railway officials are closely monitoring the bridge and the surrounding track section. Train operations will resume only after the water level recedes and the bridge and track are declared safe for traffic.
Purnia Court-Hatia Express diverted
The flood-related disruption has also affected long-distance services.
The Railways has diverted the routes of the 18625 Purnia Court-Hatia Express and 18626 Hatia-Purnia Court Express, scheduled to operate on September 6.
The trains will not pass through Patna and Gaya and will instead operate via an alternative route through Bakhtiyarpur and Kiul.
Safety inspection underway
Railway officials and staff have been directed to continuously monitor the condition of the bridge and the affected railway section and take necessary measures in accordance with safety standards.
The Railways said a separate order will be issued regarding the resumption of train services on the Patna-Gaya section once conditions are considered safe.
The disruption comes as rising water levels in the Punpun and other rivers continue to affect several parts of Bihar, adding to the wider impact of the state’s ongoing flood situation.
