Indian Railways restricts train speeds on Jamalpur Bhagalpur section due to severe floods
The railway administration has placed the Jamalpur-Bhagalpur rail section under high alert as rising floodwaters from the Ganga River have reached bridges and culverts. Passengers travelling through this region should expect delays as authorities have implemented strict safety measures during this monsoon emergency.
- Speed restrictions of 20 to 30 kmph have been imposed, down from the standard 110 kmph.
- Divisional Railway Manager Manish Kumar Gupta inspected the vulnerable Bhagalpur-Sahibganj rail section.
- Ganga water level at Patna Gandhi Ghat reached 50.58 meters on September 6, 2026, breaking 2016 records.
- Multiple MEMU trains cancelled and express services diverted on the Patna-Gaya route due to rising water at Bridge No. 21.
Passenger Safety and Infrastructure Monitoring
To ensure absolute passenger safety, authorities have mandated a significant reduction in train speeds along the affected tracks, limiting them to 20-30 kilometers per hour, down from the standard speed of 110 kilometers per hour. While Divisional Railway Manager Manish Kumar Gupta confirmed that there is currently no immediate requirement to suspend operations entirely, the engineering department continues to conduct continuous monitoring of critical rail infrastructure. These vital speed restrictions were officially implemented on September 8, 2026, targeting identified vulnerable sites across the division.
Wider Impact of Bihar Floods on Regional Rail Networks
The regional rail network remains under severe duress as Bihar faces widespread flooding. As of September 6, 2026, the water level of the Ganga at Patna's Gandhi Ghat reached 50.58 meters, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary reported that these alarming conditions have impacted 1.9 million people across 11 districts. In addition to the Jamalpur-Bhagalpur line, other critical sections, including the Patna-Gaya route, have faced major disruptions. Specifically, rising water levels at Bridge No. 21 between Punpun and Parsa Bazar have forced the cancellation of several MEMU trains and the diversion of multiple express services since September 5. Passengers are strongly advised to check their train schedules with IRCTC before embarking on their journeys through flood-affected zones in Bihar.