Train Routes Diverted in Muzaffarpur Due to Infrastructure Work: Updates on Major Trains Including Vaishali and Amrapali Express

KKN Gurugram Desk | Muzaffarpur, Bihar: Several major trains, including the popular Vaishali Express and Amrapali Express, have had their routes diverted. The Indian Railways has announced this diversion due to essential infrastructure work on the Gorakhpur Cant-Bhatni rail section under the Varanasi division. The automatic signaling work and non-interlocking process are the primary reasons behind these changes, which may cause some inconvenience to passengers.

Railway officials have assured that while travelers may experience slight disruptions, the trains will soon return to their original routes once the work is completed. This update has been shared by Saraswati Chand, the Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway, on Tuesday.

Key Train Routes Affected by the Diversion

The train diversions will affect several routes that pass through Muzaffarpur, one of the prominent railway hubs in Bihar. The following are the details of the diverted trains:

1. Amrapali Express (15707) – Kutihar to Amritsar:

   • This train will depart from Kutihar on March 6th and will be diverted from its regular route, which typically runs through Siwan-Bhatni-Gorakhpur Cant. Instead, it will run via Siwan-Thave-Kaptanganj-Gorakhpur Cant. As a result of this change, the Amrapali Express will not stop at Deoria Sadar station.

2. Vaishali Express (12554) – New Delhi to Saharsa:

   • The Vaishali Express, which usually follows the route through Gorakhpur Cant-Bhatni-Siwan, will now operate on an altered route, passing through Gorakhpur Cant-Kaptanganj-Thave-Siwan. Due to this change, this train will also not stop at Deoria Sadar station.

3. Amritsar-Saharsa Express (14604):

   • Similarly, the Amritsar-Saharsa Express, which departs from Amritsar on March 5th, will also take the revised route through Gorakhpur Cant-Kaptanganj-Thave-Siwan. This train will bypass Deoria Sadar station as well.

4. Kathgodam-Hawrah Express (13020):

   • The Kathgodam-Hawrah Express, which will depart from Kathgodam on March 5th, will be delayed by 90 minutes under the control of the Lucknow division of Northeast Railways.

5. Darbhanga-New Delhi Special Train (02569):

   • The Darbhanga-New Delhi Special Train, scheduled to depart from Darbhanga on March 6th, will be rescheduled by 120 minutes.

Expected Delays and Alternate Routes

Railway authorities have indicated that while the route changes are expected to cause some delays, the affected trains will resume their regular operations once the infrastructure work on the Gorakhpur Cant-Bhatni rail section is completed. Passengers are advised to stay updated about these changes and check the latest information regarding their trains’ schedules.

Increased Vigilance on Long-Distance Trains Amid Holi Festival

As the Holi festival approaches, the Indian Railways has ramped up its vigilance on long-distance trains, especially those passing through Muzaffarpur and the Saran region. With the festival often seeing an uptick in passengers, the railways are focusing on the security of trains traveling to and from New Delhi, Kolkata, Amritsar, and Jharkhand.

In addition to regular surveillance, the railway police are on high alert to prevent any illicit activities, including the transportation of alcohol, which is banned in Bihar. The police have intensified checks on trains traveling through key stations such as Sahrasa, where long-distance trains such as Vaishali Express, Koshi Express, Garib Rath Express, and others are regularly subjected to stringent inspections.

Strict Monitoring and Enhanced Security

The police have been increasingly monitoring the rail routes in the Saran division, especially with the heightened concern about alcohol smuggling during festivals. Railways and local law enforcement agencies have also been coordinating to ensure that both long-distance trains and local routes maintain strict security protocols.

At Sahrasa Station, 35 pairs of trains operate daily, and all of them are subject to rigorous checks by railway security teams. In addition to routine inspections, the Excise Department has also been actively involved in monitoring train routes for any illegal transport of alcohol, especially during festive seasons when smuggling may peak.

CCTV Surveillance for Increased Safety

To enhance the security of passengers and reduce incidents of crime or illicit activity, Sahrasa Station has installed multiple CCTV cameras. These cameras monitor all key areas of the station, including circulating areas and platforms. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel keep a constant watch over the footage to prevent any suspicious activity. Moreover, night patrols by railway police ensure that security remains intact during non-operating hours as well.

The presence of security personnel is particularly heightened at the station’s entrances and exits, where potential threats may emerge. Even during late-night hours, railway police are stationed at critical points to maintain a strong security presence.

Future Measures for Train Route Safety

In the wake of these route diversions, the railway authorities have also emphasized their commitment to improving infrastructure and safety. While these changes have been made due to necessary signaling work, officials have assured passengers that the long-term benefits will outweigh any temporary disruptions.

The modernization of signaling systems and the introduction of more advanced technologies will help streamline train operations, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, the improvements will ensure better safety measures, especially for passengers traveling during peak seasons or festivals.

Passengers Advised to Stay Updated

Passengers are encouraged to stay updated on the latest train schedules through official railway apps or by checking with local railway stations. As the Holi festival approaches, train operations are expected to experience heavy foot traffic. Therefore, the railway authorities have advised travelers to plan their journeys well in advance and avoid last-minute rushes.

In conclusion, while the route changes and the ongoing infrastructure improvements may cause some inconvenience, the railway authorities are working diligently to ensure that normal services resume soon. The diversions, although temporary, are part of the larger effort to enhance the safety and efficiency of rail travel in the region.

Travelers should remain patient and check for updates regarding train schedules to minimize any inconvenience during this period of infrastructural upgrades. Once the work is completed, the benefits of a modernized signaling system will greatly improve the travel experience for all passengers.

The diversion of key train routes, including the Vaishali Express and Amrapali Express, reflects the ongoing infrastructure enhancements by Indian Railways. The adjustments are necessary to facilitate the implementation of automatic signaling systems and to improve the efficiency and safety of the Gorakhpur Cant-Bhatni rail section. While these changes may cause some short-term disruptions, they are expected to result in a smoother and safer travel experience in the long run. Passengers are urged to stay informed about the latest updates and cooperate with the authorities during this time of transition.