KKN Gurugram Desk | Starting from March 20, 2025, a major disruption in train services will occur in Uttar Pradesh, particularly affecting routes between Kanpur and Lucknow. Due to essential maintenance work on the Ganga Bridge along the Kanpur-Lucknow railway route, the Indian Railways has announced a mega traffic block that will impact several trains for the next 42 days. This disruption will significantly affect travel during the Holi festival period, particularly for passengers returning to their homes after the celebrations.

Impact on Train Services: Major Routes Affected

The traffic block on the Kanpur-Lucknow rail route is set to disrupt the operations of 74 trains, including major routes like Jhansi, Mumbai, Pune, and Gorakhpur. These routes, including popular trains like Shatabdi and Neelanchal Express, will face major delays and cancellations.

Starting from March 20, this traffic block will last for 42 days, with a daily 9-hour halt on the affected railway section. During this period, 32 trains will be completely cancelled, while 42 trains will operate on diverted routes. Passengers planning to travel on these routes during this time should be prepared for significant disruptions.

Kanpur-Lucknow Train Service Affected: What Passengers Need to Know

The Ganga Bridge repair work is the main reason for the disruption in the train services. The authorities have taken this measure to ensure the safety and stability of the bridge, which is critical for the long-term operation of the rail network in the region. According to Kuldeep Tiwari, Senior DCM, the mega traffic block will help ensure the safety of the bridge and smoothen future train operations once the work is completed.

For March 20 to May 1, several key trains between Kanpur and Lucknow will be cancelled. These include:

• 51813/14 Jhansi-Lucknow

• 64203/04 Lucknow-Kanpur MEMU

• 09465/66 Ahmedabad-Darbhanga Special

• 05305/06 Chhapra-Anand Vihar Special

Additionally, some trains like 64211 Lucknow-Kanpur MEMU and 07076 Gorakhpur-Hyderabad will experience delays ranging from 90 minutes to 150 minutes.

Diverted Train Routes: Alternative Travel Options

Due to the traffic block, several trains will operate on diverted routes. The following trains will be rerouted:

• Gorakhpur Anand Vihar, Mau Anand Vihar, Nahar Lagun Anand Vihar, 12003 Shatabdi Express, and 15557 Darbhanga Anand Vihar will now pass through Muradabad. These trains will not stop at Kanpur, Tundla, and Aligarh stations.

• 20921/22 Lucknow-Bandra, 19670/69 Patliputra-Udaipur, and 12179/80 Lucknow-Agra Fort trains will be diverted via Lucknow Shahjahanpur-Kasganj route.

These changes will affect passengers who are planning to board or alight from stations like Kanpur, Tundla, and Aligarh, so travelers need to check their updated schedules carefully.

Changes in Express Trains to Pune and Other Major Cities

Some express trains connecting Pune with Lucknow will also be affected by this traffic block:

• Trains like 11408 Lucknow-Pune Express (departing on March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, and 24) will now operate from Kanpur Central instead of Lucknow Junction.

• Similarly, 11407 Pune-Lucknow Express (on March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, and 22) will conclude its journey at Kanpur Central instead of Lucknow Junction.

For trains originating from Kanpur, like the 12209 Kanpur Central-Kathgodam Garib Rath, the train will now operate from Lucknow Junction instead of Kanpur Central during the same period.

Additionally, trains like 15083 Chhapra-Farrukhabad will now terminate at Gomti Nagar, causing further inconvenience for passengers traveling to Farrukhabad.

Holistic Impact on Travelers: More Crowds Expected at Stations

With the disruption of several key trains, passengers will likely experience overcrowded stations, particularly in Lucknow and Kanpur, as people return from Holi vacations. According to reports from Lucknow Railway Station and Charbagh Railway Station, there has already been a surge in passenger traffic, especially on trains like Lucknow Mail, AC Express, and Chandigarh Express, which are packed with passengers.

In addition to the railway stations, bus stations in Lucknow have also witnessed an increase in travelers, especially those headed to Delhi, Agra, and Ghazipur. Bus services between these cities and Lucknow have been running at full capacity.

Alternative Travel Arrangements for Passengers

Given the inconvenience caused by the train cancellations and diversions, passengers who are traveling to and from Lucknow and Kanpur should consider the following options:

• Book alternate transport: While train services may be disrupted, passengers can opt for buses or private transport for short-distance travel.

• Check for updated schedules: Passengers should regularly check the Indian Railways website and train enquiry services for real-time updates on train schedules and routes.

• Plan ahead for longer travel times: Travelers should plan for delays and extended travel hours due to rerouted trains or changes in departure times.

What Can Passengers Expect During This Period?

1. Delays and Cancellations: Passengers should expect significant delays and cancellations on the affected routes.

2. Diverted Routes: Several major trains will operate on diverted routes, and stations like Kanpur, Tundla, and Aligarh will not see trains stop.

3. Crowded Stations and Trains: With many trains cancelled or delayed, stations and trains will likely be overcrowded, especially during peak hours.

The train disruptions between Lucknow and Kanpur due to the mega traffic block are bound to affect many passengers traveling through these routes. The repairs on the Ganga Bridge are necessary for long-term infrastructure safety, but they will cause major disruptions for over a month. Passengers need to stay informed about train cancellations, diversions, and delays.

For those planning to travel during this period, it is crucial to keep updated with real-time schedules and plan ahead for alternative transport. The Holistic transport management will help ease the burden of crowded stations and affected services.

Passengers are advised to stay alert, check their train timings regularly, and consider alternate travel routes to minimize inconvenience. Safe travels, and be prepared for any changes in the usual travel routines.