North Eastern Railway suspends six trains on Mailani Nanpara route due to track flooding
The North Eastern Railway has suspended operations for six trains on the Mailani-Nanpara-Bichia section until further notice, effective August 31, 2026. This sudden decision impacts travellers heading towards the Dudhwa National Park and Bichia regions. Here are the key highlights of the recent train suspensions and railway updates.
Operations for six trains are suspended effective August 31, 2026.
Water seepage has been reported between Bhira and Palia stations.
The scenic rail route passes through the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are set to inaugurate the Bahraich-Nepalganj Road broad gauge line.
Reason for Train Suspension
The temporary shutdown follows urgent reports of water seepage on the railway track between the Bhira and Palia stations. Authorities specifically identified the issue at the previous breach site located between kilometer markers 238/09 and 239/01. According to an official notification issued on August 30, 2026, and confirmed by the Senior Divisional Operations Manager in Lucknow, the safety measure was ordered based on a critical report by the Permanent Way Inspector to ensure absolute passenger safety.
Affected Train Services
The suspension affects several popular services on this scenic route, which is well-known among wildlife tourists and rail enthusiasts for passing right through the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Trains canceled starting August 31, 2026, include train numbers 52264 from Mailani to Nanpara, 52262 from Mailani to Nanpara, and 52260 from Mailani to Bichia Vistadome. Furthermore, effective September 1, 2026, return and onward operations for train numbers 52259 from Bichia to Mailani, 52261 from Nanpara to Mailani, and 52263 from Nanpara to Mailani will also remain suspended until further notice.
Outlook and Other Developments
Railway teams are actively monitoring the water seepage situation on the track, and service resumption will only be determined after tracks are deemed entirely safe and the situation normalizes. Historically, this vital rail corridor has faced frequent operational disruptions due to heavy monsoon flooding and water release from the Banbasa Barrage. Meanwhile, in separate positive railway developments, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are scheduled to inaugurate the new Bahraich-Nepalganj Road broad gauge rail line on August 31, 2026.