Train passengers in Bihar are facing major disruptions as Indian Railways carries out pre-non-interlocking and non-interlocking work to commission a new double-line rail bridge alongside the existing Rajendra Bridge at Mokama.
The work is being carried out between September 21 and October 4, affecting rail connectivity across several important routes. According to railway information, 384 trains have been diverted, while hundreds of other services have been cancelled or partially terminated during the block period. Normal train operations on the new bridge are expected to begin from October 5.
Why So Many Trains Are Being Affected
The railway work involves connecting the new bridge with the existing network around Upper Hathidah Junction, Tal Junction, Rampur Dumra and Dinkar Gram Simaria. Track connectivity and signalling-related work is being carried out as part of the final commissioning process.
The disruption is affecting more than 800 train services in different ways. Around 22 to 33 trains have been cancelled on several days, with the overall number of cancelled services reported at 338. In addition, 384 trains have been assigned alternative routes, while some services have been short-terminated or short-originated.
Over 120 Trains Rerouted or Short-Terminated
Several long-distance trains that normally pass through the Mokama-Hathidah section towards Barauni and Samastipur are being operated through alternative routes during the work.
Affected services include trains such as the Amritsar-Howrah Mail, Bagh Express, Vibhuti Express and Amarnath Express. Depending on the service, trains are being diverted through routes including Patna, Patliputra, Digha Bridge, Sonpur, Hajipur, Kiul, Jhajha and Bhagalpur.
The changes are particularly important for passengers travelling between southern and northern parts of Bihar, as well as those travelling towards major destinations connected through the Mokama-Barauni section.
New Double-Line Rajendra Bridge Nears Commissioning
The new bridge has been constructed parallel to the existing Rajendra Bridge over the Ganga near Mokama. It is located around 50 metres from the existing bridge on the Patna side and has been built with a double railway line. The project includes the main river bridge, approach railway structures, smaller bridges, road overbridges and rail-over-rail structures.
East Central Railway General Manager Dimpy Garg recently inspected the ongoing non-interlocking work. Railway officials have indicated that the work is scheduled to be completed by October 4, after which train operations on the new bridge can begin.
Major Trains Affected by the Block
Among the important services affected during the work are:
- 13227-13228 Saharsa-Rajendranagar-Saharsa Intercity Express
- 15527-15528 Jaynagar-Patna-Jaynagar Kamla Ganga Express
- 13029-13030 Howrah-Mokama-Howrah Express
- 13031-13032 Howrah-Jaynagar-Howrah Express
- 13044 Raxaul-Howrah Express
- 13127 Kolkata-Ara Express
- 13135 Kolkata-Jaynagar Express and Kolkata-Sitamarhi Express
- Patna-Mokama, Barauni-Patna and Jhajha-Patna MEMU and passenger services
The disruption has also affected routes connecting Patna, Mokama, Barh, Bakhtiyarpur, Lakhisarai, Kiul, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. Services connecting Saharsa, Khagaria and Madhepura with Rajendranagar have also been impacted.
Passengers travelling on these routes should check the status and revised route of their train before starting their journey, particularly during the final days of the bridge commissioning work.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Train cancellations, diversions and operational schedules may change according to railway requirements. Passengers should verify the latest train status and travel information through official railway channels before travelling.