Patna: Train services on the new rail bridge over the Ganges at Mokama are scheduled to begin on October 5, following a safety inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on October 3 and 4.
The new bridge has been constructed parallel to the existing Rajendra Setu and is expected to allow trains to operate at speeds of up to 90 kmph. Trains currently face speed restrictions of around 40–50 kmph while crossing the old bridge.
According to Saraswati Chandra, chief public relations officer of East Central Railway, non-interlocking and track connectivity work on the Mokama, Barauni and Hathidah sections is scheduled to be completed by October 4.
Connectivity Work Underway
The Railways is currently carrying out track connectivity, signalling and other technical work to connect the new bridge with the existing railway network.
A mega block has been imposed until October 4 to complete the work. The restrictions are affecting train services in the Mokama, Barauni and Hathidah sections.
Once the CRS inspection is completed and safety clearance is granted, regular train operations are expected to start on the new bridge from October 5.
23 Trains Cancelled
The ongoing work has led to the cancellation of 23 trains, including Express, Intercity, MEMU, Humsafar and special services.
The cancelled trains include the Mokama-Howrah Express, Saharsa-Rajendranagar Intercity, Jaynagar-Patna Express, Kolkata-Ara Garib Rath, Mithilanchal Express and Bhagalpur-Ajmer Humsafar.
The cancellations are affecting commuters travelling between Mokama, Barauni, Hathidah, Patna and surrounding areas, who are having to make alternative travel arrangements during the mega block.
Expected Improvement In Train Operations
The old Rajendra Setu has served as an important rail link across the Ganges for decades. Speed restrictions on the bridge have affected the time required for trains to cross the section and can have an impact on subsequent train operations.
The new bridge is expected to improve train speeds and increase operational flexibility on the route. Once regular services begin, passengers travelling through Mokama could see shorter journey times compared with services operating under the existing restrictions.
The immediate disruption caused by the mega block is expected to continue until the connectivity work is completed, with normalised train operations planned after the new bridge receives the required safety clearance.
