Indian Railways has announced a temporary suspension of all parcel booking and handling operations across five major Delhi railway stations to bolster security ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Simultaneously, the Jodhpur Division has achieved a significant infrastructure milestone by modernizing the Bhagat Ki Kothi railway yard. These updates are crucial for passengers and logistics partners planning their schedules for mid-August 2026.
- Parcel operations suspended: New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Delhi Sarai Rohilla.
- Duration: The suspension is effective from August 12 to August 15, 2026.
- Scope: All inbound and outbound parcel traffic, including leased SLRs and VPs, is restricted.
- Jodhpur Yard Upgrade: Successful replacement of old 52 kg turnouts with new 60 kg turnouts on the Bhagat Ki Kothi-Luni-Marwar Junction route.
Security Measures at Delhi Stations
To ensure a secure environment during Independence Day, Northern Railway has issued a directive halting parcel services at the capital’s busiest hubs. According to Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, this measure aims to keep platforms and godowns clear of unauthorized goods. The restriction covers all parcel bookings, including those in leased SLRs, VPs, and Demand VPs, even for trains arriving from other railway zones.
It is important to note that this restriction does not affect general passengers. Travelers are permitted to carry their personal luggage in coaches as usual. Furthermore, the booking of registered newspapers and magazines will continue, provided they undergo necessary security checks and commercial formalities.
Infrastructure Boost in Jodhpur
While Delhi focuses on security, the Jodhpur Division is celebrating a major engineering success. On August 8, 2026, the technical team successfully replaced six aging 52 kg turnouts with new, high-strength 60 kg turnouts at the Bhagat Ki Kothi railway yard. This critical work was executed using a T-28 machine, ensuring that the entire Bhagat Ki Kothi-Luni-Marwar Junction main line is now free of older 52 kg turnouts.
Divisional Railway Manager Anurag Tripathi highlighted that this upgrade is essential for long-term safety. By transitioning to 60 kg turnouts, the railway ensures smoother and more reliable train operations. Notably, the engineering, electrical, and operations teams managed to complete this complex modernization without causing any disruption to the continuous movement of trains, demonstrating a high level of operational efficiency.