Tatanagar: Azad Hind, Geetanjali, Duronto Express among several trains to remain cancelled in April

Railway Infrastructure Work

Jamshedpur: The South East Central Railway (SECR) is undertaking major infrastructure projects to enhance rail operations and passenger facilities in the Bilaspur division. As part of this initiative, the construction of the third and fourth rail lines in the Bilaspur-Jharsuguda section is progressing rapidly. This expansion aims to streamline train operations, improve punctuality, and pave the way for new passenger and freight services in the future.

One of the key projects currently underway involves linking Kotarliya railway station to the fourth line in the Raigarh-Jharsuguda section. Additionally, electrification work on this newly constructed line will be carried out simultaneously. Due to these construction activities, the movement of several passenger trains, including the Azad Hind Express, Geetanjali Express, and Duronto Express, will be disrupted between April 11 and April 24, 2025.

Project Overview

The fourth railway line project between Bilaspur and Jharsuguda spans 206 km and involves an estimated investment of ₹2,100 crore. The primary objective of this expansion is to alleviate congestion in this heavily trafficked corridor, enabling the smooth movement of both passenger and freight trains. Railway officials assert that the project’s completion will significantly improve train punctuality and efficiency, benefiting thousands of daily commuters.

Once operational, this additional line will provide greater scheduling flexibility, reduce delays, and allow for the introduction of new train services. Freight operations will also benefit as additional capacity will ease congestion, enabling faster and more efficient goods transportation.

Train Cancellations and Route Diversions

As part of the construction work, multiple trains have been cancelled, rerouted, or partially terminated. The following details provide insights into how these changes will impact railway operations:

Fully Cancelled Trains

Several passenger trains will remain canceled during the construction period. The affected trains include:

• Azad Hind Express (12129/12130) running between Pune and Howrah will be cancelled on April 11 and April 24.
• Geetanjali Express (12859/12860) between Mumbai and Howrah will be cancelled on April 11 and April 24.
• Duronto Express (12222/12221) operating between Howrah and Pune will be cancelled on April 10, 12, 17, and 19 (Howrah-Pune) and April 12, 14, 19, and 21 (Pune-Howrah).
• Mumbai-Howrah Mail Express (12809/12810) will be cancelled on several days within the April 11-24 period.
• Santragachi-Jabalpur Express (20828/20827) cancelled on April 16, 17, 23, and 24.
• Darbhanga-Secunderabad Express (17008/17007) cancelled on April 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, and 25.
• Hatia-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) Express (12812/12811) cancelled on April 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, and 21.
• Porbandar-Shalimar Express (12905/12906) cancelled on April 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, and 19.
• Gyaneshwari Express (12101/12102) between LTT and Shalimar cancelled on multiple dates between April 11 and April 24.

Trains Running on Diverted route

To minimize passenger inconvenience, some trains will be operated on alternative routes during the railway infrastructure work. These include:

• Howrah-Mumbai Mail Express (12810) from April 11 to 24 will run via Jharsuguda-Titlagarh-Raipur instead of its regular route.
• Mumbai-Howrah Mail Express (12809) from April 11 to 24 will operate via Raipur-Titlagarh-Jharsuguda.
• Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express (12262) will run on a diverted route via Jharsuguda-Titlagarh-Raipur on April 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, and 23.
• Mumbai-Howrah Duronto Express (12261) will operate via Raipur-Titlagarh-Jharsuguda on April 13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, and 24.

Trains Partially Cancelled or Terminated Midway

Several trains will be short-terminated, meaning they will not complete their full journey but will stop at an earlier station. Key affected trains include:

• Gondia-Jharsuguda MEMU Passenger Special (68861/68862) will not run between Bilaspur and Jharsuguda from April 11 to May 5.
• Nizamuddin-Raigarh Gondwana Express (12410) will be terminated at Bilaspur instead of Raigarh on April 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, and 22.
• Raigarh-Nizamuddin Gondwana Express (12409) will originate from Bilaspur instead of Raigarh on April 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, and 24.

Passenger Advisory

The cancellation and diversion of trains are expected to cause inconvenience to passengers traveling on these routes. The railway administration has advised passengers to check for updates on their train schedules before making travel plans. Updated information can be obtained from the official website of Indian Railways, railway inquiry counters, or mobile applications.

Additionally, passengers who have booked tickets on the affected trains may be eligible for full refunds as per railway refund policies. Travelers are encouraged to check refund eligibility and alternative booking options at railway ticket counters or online portals.

Expected Benefits of the Project

While passengers may face temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefits of this infrastructure upgrade are significant. Key improvements include:

1. Enhanced Train Punctuality – The additional railway line will help prevent train congestion, allowing smoother and more reliable operations.
2. Increased Passenger Train Frequency – With added capacity, Indian Railways can introduce new passenger train services to cater to growing demand.
3. Boost to Freight Movement – Freight trains will face fewer delays, ensuring faster transportation of goods and increased revenue generation for Indian Railways.
4. Electrification Benefits – The electrification of the new track will contribute to reduced fuel costs, enhanced energy efficiency, and lower environmental impact.

The construction of the third and fourth rail lines in the Bilaspur-Jharsuguda section marks a significant step toward enhancing railway infrastructure in the region. Although train cancellations and diversions may cause short-term disruptions, these efforts will ultimately improve train operations, passenger convenience, and economic efficiency. The railway administration is committed to completing the project within the stipulated timeline and urges passengers to stay informed about train schedules to avoid inconvenience.