Bhagalpur: A breach in the Ganga embankment between Sakrigali and Maharajpur has brought rail operations on this line to a standstill. Four days after the incident, normal timetables remain suspended and a large number of trains are still either cancelled or operating on alternative routes.

Maintenance teams are on site around the clock, shoring up the embankment and aiming for a swift restoration. To mitigate passenger inconvenience, Indian Railways has introduced a set of special trains covering the affected sector.

Special Passenger Services

To provide immediate alternatives, the following supplemental trains will run:

  • Sahibganj – Bhagalpur Passenger Special: departures from Sahibganj at 09:30 am and 05:00 pm.
  • Bhagalpur – Sahibganj Passenger Special: departs Bhagalpur at 10:00 am.
  • Rampurhat – Tinpahar Passenger Special: leaves Rampurhat at 08:30 am.

Major Trains Currently Cancelled

Several MEMU and passenger services have been withdrawn, including:

  • 63402 Malda Town – Sahibganj MEMU
  • 63421 Azimganj – Sahibganj MEMU
  • 63411 Sahibganj – Bhagalpur MEMU
  • 63063 Barddhaman – Sahibganj MEMU
  • 53411 Barharwa – Sahibganj Passenger
  • 13427 Howrah – Sahibganj Intercity Express
  • 63405 Rampurhat – Sahibganj MEMU
  • 53487 & 53485 Tinpahar – Rajmahal Passenger

Return‑journey services are also impacted, with cancellations for 53412 Sahibganj – Barharwa Passenger, 63074 Sahibganj – Rampurhat MEMU, 13428 Sahibganj – Howrah Express, 53408 Jamalpur – Rampurhat Passenger, and 53490 & 53488 Rajmahal – Tinpahar Passenger.

Long‑Distance Trains Rerouted

To bypass the damaged section, several long‑haul trains have been diverted onto alternate corridors:

  • The 13020 Kathgodam – Howrah Bagh Express and 13022 Raxaul – Howrah Express will now run via the Munger – Bhagalpur – Banka – Jasidih loop.
  • The 15657 Delhi – Kamakhya Brahmaputra Mail, 15647 Lokmanya Tilak – Guwahati Express and 15744 Bathinda – Balurghat Farakka Express are being routed through Jamalpur – Munger – Katihar.
  • The 13024 Gaya – Howrah Express will take the Kiul – Jhajha – Asansol pathway.
  • The 13404 Bhagalpur – Ranchi Vananchal Express and 13072 Jamalpur – Howrah Express will operate over the Bhagalpur – Dumka – Rampurhat line.

Trains Starting or Terminating Early

Operational tweaks have also altered the originating or terminating stations for a few services:

  • 53029 Azimganj – Bhagalpur Passenger now ends its run at Barharwa.
  • 13410 Kiul – Malda Town Intercity will terminate at Sahibganj, while 13409 Malda Town – Kiul Intercity will commence from Sahibganj.
  • 53403 Rampurhat – Gaya Passenger will originate from Jamalpur on 3 October and 4 October.

Ongoing Repair Work

Repair crews continue to reinforce the embankment, aiming for a full resumption of services as quickly as possible. Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest train statuses before departure, as schedules may still be adjusted until normal operations are restored.