Bhagalpur: A breach in the Ganga embankment on the stretch linking Sakrigali and Maharajpur has halted train movements along the line. Four days after the incident, regular timetables are still on hold, with a host of services either cancelled or operating on alternative routes on Saturday.
Maintenance crews are working around the clock to restore the embankment and bring normal operations back. To mitigate passenger inconvenience, the railways have introduced a series of special trains on the affected corridor.
Special Passenger Trains
To offer additional travel options, the following extra services have been scheduled:
- Sahibganj–Bhagalpur Passenger Special: departs Sahibganj at 09:30 am and again at 05:00 pm.
- Bhagalpur–Sahibganj Passenger Special: leaves Bhagalpur at 10:00 am.
- Rampurhat–Tinpahar Passenger Special: starts from Rampurhat at 08:30 am.
Key Trains Cancelled
Several MEMU and passenger services remain suspended, among them:
- 63402 Malda Town–Sahibganj MEMU
- 63421 Azimganj–Sahibganj MEMU
- 63411 Sahibganj–Bhagalpur MEMU
- 63063 Barddhaman–Sahibganj MEMU
- 53411 Barharwa–Sahibganj Passenger
- 13427 Howrah–Sahibganj Intercity Express
- 63405 Rampurhat–Sahibganj MEMU
- 53487 & 53485 Tinpahar–Rajmahal Passenger
Return‑journey services are also impacted, with cancellations for 53412 Sahibganj–Barharwa Passenger, 63074 Sahibganj–Rampurhat MEMU, 13428 Sahibganj–Howrah Express, 53408 Jamalpur–Rampurhat Passenger, and 53490 & 53488 Rajmahal–Tinpahar Passenger.
Long‑Distance Trains Rerouted
Some long‑haul trains are being diverted via alternative corridors to bypass the damaged segment:
- The 13020 Kathgodam–Howrah Bagh Express and 13022 Raxaul–Howrah Express will now run via the Munger–Bhagalpur–Banka–Jasidih bypass.
- The 15657 Delhi–Kamakhya Brahmaputra Mail, 15647 Lokmanya Tilak–Guwahati Express and 15744 Bathinda–Balurghat Farakka Express are being routed through Jamalpur–Munger–Katihar.
- The 13024 Gaya–Howrah Express will take the Kiul–Jhajha–Asansol line.
- The 13404 Bhagalpur–Ranchi Vananchal Express and 13072 Jamalpur–Howrah Express will travel on the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat route.
Trains Starting or Terminating Early
Operational tweaks have also altered the originating or terminating stations for a few services:
- 53029 Azimganj–Bhagalpur Passenger will now finish its run at Barharwa.
- 13410 Kiul–Malda Town Intercity will terminate at Sahibganj, while 13409 Malda Town–Kiul Intercity will originate from Sahibganj.
- 53403 Rampurhat–Gaya Passenger will commence from Jamalpur on 3 October and 4 October.
Repair Work Ongoing
Railway teams continue to reinforce the embankment and aim for a swift resumption of full service. Passengers are advised to check the latest train statuses before travel, as schedules may still be subject to change until normal operations are fully restored.
