Passengers traveling on the busy Lucknow-Gorakhpur corridor should brace for continued travel disruptions as the North Eastern Railway (NER) extends its infrastructure improvement projects. The ongoing construction of a third railway line between Gonda and Budhwal has necessitated a series of train cancellations and diversions that will remain in effect through mid-July 2026.
Key updates regarding the current railway disruptions include:
- 15081 Gorakhpur-Gomtinagar Express is canceled from July 6 to July 10, 2026.
- 15082 Gomtinagar-Gorakhpur Express is canceled from July 7 to July 11, 2026.
- Major trains including the 15109 Chhapra-Mathura Express and 22921 Bandra-Balrampur Express face cancellations or diversions via Ayodhya until July 11, 2026.
- The Gorakhpur-Thawe train was officially canceled as of July 8, 2026.
- Multiple DEMU services are currently short-terminated to accommodate construction activities.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Mega Block
The current operational challenges are the result of critical pre-interlocking and non-interlocking work required to commission a five-kilometer section of the new third line between Gonda and Gonda Kachahri. This project is a vital component of the railway’s long-term strategy to reduce congestion and improve connectivity on one of the network’s most critical routes. The scope of the work also includes the construction of a new bridge over the Ghaghra River.
According to Sumit Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway, these changes are part of a 40-day mega block that began on June 10, 2026. Railway authorities have confirmed that a Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection for the newly developed five-kilometer stretch is scheduled for July 10, 2026.
Passengers are advised to check their PNR status and confirm train schedules through the official IRCTC website or the NTES app before heading to the station. While these disruptions may cause temporary inconvenience, the completion of the third line is expected to significantly boost the capacity and punctuality of trains passing through the Gonda-Budhwal section in the near future.