Heavy monsoon rainfall caused significant operational challenges at Kajra railway station in Bihar on Monday, July 20, 2026. The accumulation of water on the tracks led to a temporary halt in rail traffic along the crucial Kiul-Jamalpur section, affecting passengers traveling across several major long-distance and regional routes. Key highlights of the incident include:
• Torrential rains starting at 4:00 AM led to two feet of water accumulating near the tracks.
• Train operations were suspended for two hours between 8:20 AM and 10:20 AM to ensure safety.
• Major trains affected included the Bhagalpur-Surat Superfast Express (22948), Bengaluru-Bhagalpur Ang Express (12253), and Danapur-Sahibganj Intercity Express (13236).
• Services resumed by 10:30 AM after successful drainage efforts and safety inspections by technical teams.
Safety First Approach
When the water levels rose, railway authorities took immediate action to prevent any untoward incidents. Satish Chandra Sharma, Station Manager at Abhaipur, confirmed that operations were halted due to excessive water pressure on the tracks. During this window, several trains were held at nearby stations, including Abhaipur, Dharhara, and Dashrathpur, to ensure the safety of passengers and rolling stock.
Following the recession of the water, railway engineering teams worked on-site to inspect the track integrity. Rasraj, spokesperson for the Malda Division, stated that trains were permitted to resume movement only after the tracks were declared safe, with instructions for loco pilots to proceed at reduced speeds.
Recurring Infrastructure Challenges
This incident at Kajra station has brought renewed attention to the persistent drainage issues in the area. Local residents and media outlets, including a report in the Hindustan newspaper on July 11, 2026, have previously raised concerns regarding the lack of a robust, permanent drainage system. As the region continues to experience heavy rainfall, the railway administration and local authorities are under pressure to find a long-term engineering solution to prevent future waterlogging. For now, the administration has urged commuters to remain cautious as weather forecasts predict further heavy rain in the coming days.