Travel Alert: Massive Disruptions on Howrah-Patna Route; 50+ Trains Cancelled & 383 Diverted!
Passengers traveling between Howrah and Patna, or via the Danapur-Sonpur route, are facing a major logistical challenge. Due to critical infrastructure development and non-interlocking operations, train services will be significantly disrupted from September 21 to October 4, 2026.
Why the Disruption? The Mokama Bridge Project
The East Central Railway is undertaking essential work to connect a new double-line rail bridge to the main line. This new bridge has been constructed parallel to the historic Rajendra Rail-cum-Road Bridge over the Ganga River at Mokama. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance connectivity between Dinkar Gram Simaria and Barauni.
According to East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra and Hajipur Zone Chief Information Officer S. Chandra, the works will impact several key areas, including:
- Rajendra Pul
- Hathidah Junction Upper
- Taal
- Rampur Dumra
- Dinkar Gram Simaria
Massive Cancellations and Diversions
The scale of the disruption is immense, with over 50 trains scheduled for cancellation and 383 trains being diverted during this period. The daily number of cancellations is expected to rise significantly as the work progresses:
- September 20: 6 trains
- September 21: 12 trains
- September 22: 13 trains
- September 23: 15 trains
- September 24: 21 trains
- September 25: 24 trains
- September 26: 29 trains
- September 27: 31 trains
- September 28: 21 trains
- September 29: 20 trains
- September 30: 25 trains
- October 1: 32 trains
- October 2: 32 trains
- October 3: 36 trains
- October 4: 21 trains
Key Train Changes to Note
MEMU Services
The Jasidih-Mokama MEMU (63571/63572) will undergo changes, being partially terminated at Kiul from September 20 to October 4. It is expected to resume from Kiul between September 21 and October 5.
Major Express Trains Diverted
Several high-profile services will not follow their usual paths:
- Howrah-New Delhi Duronto Express (12273): On September 25, this train will be diverted via the Kiul-Gaya-Grand Chord line.