Passengers traveling through the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone should prepare for significant travel disruptions between July 16 and July 24, 2026. The railway administration has announced a series of schedule adjustments to facilitate the commissioning of a new double line between Gorakhpur Cantt and Unaula stations. This infrastructure project, located on the Gorakhpur Cantt-Paniyahwa section, is essential for improving track capacity and ensuring smoother train operations in the future.
- 10 trains fully cancelled between July 16 and July 21.
- 16 trains diverted to alternative routes.
- 17 trains short-terminated or short-originated during the work period.
- 15 trains will face delays and 6 trains will operate at controlled speeds.
- CRS inspection scheduled for July 21 following the completion of works.
Infrastructure Upgrades for Future Efficiency
Sumit Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Eastern Railway, confirmed that the pre-non-interlocking and non-interlocking works are being carried out to modernize the Varanasi Division. While these upgrades will cause temporary inconvenience, the railway emphasizes that they are vital for long-term safety and operational efficiency. The project will culminate in a formal safety inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on July 21, 2026.
Impact on Passenger Services
The service adjustments will affect various routes across the region. Among the notable cancellations, the 15105/15106 Chhapra-Nautanwa-Chhapra Express will remain suspended on July 21. Passengers on other key routes should also be aware of diversions: for instance, the 15110 Mathura-Chhapra Express will be diverted via Kanpur Central-Prayagraj Jn.-Banaras, while services like the 13019 Howrah-Kathgodam Express and the 15273 Raxaul-Anand Vihar Terminus Express will be redirected, skipping their regular stoppages.
Because of the scale of these adjustments, Indian Railways strongly advises all travelers to check the real-time status of their trains before heading to the station. Passengers can verify their schedules through the official NTES app, the IRCTC website, or by contacting the 139 railway helpline to avoid last-minute hassles.