South East Central Railway (SECR) and Southern Railway have announced the restoration of several passenger train services that were previously cancelled or partially suspended. The decision comes following the completion of infrastructure development work, providing significant relief to commuters in the Bilaspur and Chennai regions. These trains are now scheduled to operate on their regular tracks until the first week of April 2026.
Why were these train services restored?
The restoration follows the completion of non-interlocking (NI) work at Akaltara station in the Bilaspur Division. This work was essential for establishing 4th line connectivity to improve rail traffic flow. With the construction phase over, the railway administration decided to resume these services to ensure passenger convenience for those traveling between major stations like Raipur, Bilaspur, Gevra Road, and Jharsuguda.
List of restored MEMU and passenger trains
The following trains have been restored and will remain operational until April 6 or 7, 2026. This list includes key MEMU and passenger services that are vital for daily local travel in the region.
| Train Number | Route | Restoration Period |
|---|---|---|
| 68737 / 68738 | Raigarh – Bilaspur MEMU | April 3 to April 7, 2026 |
| 68736 / 68735 | Bilaspur – Raigarh MEMU | April 3 to April 7, 2026 |
| 68746 / 68745 | Raipur – Gevra Road MEMU | April 3 to April 7, 2026 |
| 58204 / 58203 | Raipur – Korba Passenger | April 3 to April 7, 2026 |
| 68734 / 68733 | Bilaspur – Gevra Road MEMU | April 3 to April 7, 2026 |
| 68732 / 68731 | Bilaspur – Korba MEMU | April 3 to April 7, 2026 |
| 68861 / 68862 | Gondia – Jharsuguda MEMU | April 4 to April 7, 2026 |
Southern Railway suburban service update
In addition to the Bilaspur Division updates, Southern Railway has restored the regular schedule of 212 suburban train services on the Chennai Beach-Tambaram stretch. This restoration took effect on April 2, 2026, helping thousands of daily office-goers and students return to their normal travel routines. Passengers are encouraged to verify current timings through the NTES portal or by calling the 139 inquiry service before starting their journey.