INVC NEWS
New Delhi : The railway passengers in Chhattisgarh are facing yet another round of cancellations, as the South East Central Railway has decided to cancel 21 express and passenger trains from July 11 to July 16. This decision comes due to siding connectivity and auto signaling work in the Akaltara-Naila section. The cancellations have disrupted travel plans for thousands, including those with confirmed tickets to destinations such as Delhi, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. The railway authorities have already refunded the fare for 10,000 tickets.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
The South East Central Railway is undertaking essential infrastructure work in the Akaltara-Naila section. This includes the implementation of siding connectivity and the installation of auto signaling systems. Such upgrades are critical for enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of the railway network. Despite the temporary inconvenience, these improvements are expected to significantly boost train speeds and reduce travel times once completed.
Affected Trains and Routes
The cancellations impact a wide array of express and passenger trains, disrupting schedules and causing considerable inconvenience to travelers. Below is a detailed list of the affected services:
Express Trains Cancelled
- Tatanagar-Bilaspur Express (Train No. 18113)
- Cancelled from July 11 to July 15.
- Bilaspur-Tatanagar Express (Train No. 18114)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Gondia-Raigarh Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12070)
- Cancelled on July 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16.
- Raigarh-Gondia Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12069)
- Cancelled on July 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17.
- Raipur-Korba Hasdeo Express (Train No. 18249)
- Cancelled on July 13.
- Korba-Raipur Hasdeo Express (Train No. 18250)
- Cancelled on July 14.
- Raipur-Korba Hasdeo Express (Train No. 18251)
- Cancelled on July 14.
- Korba-Raipur Hasdeo Express (Train No. 18252)
- Cancelled on July 15.
Passenger Trains Cancelled
- Raigarh-Bilaspur MEMU Special (Train No. 08737)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Bilaspur-Raigarh MEMU Special (Train No. 08738)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Raigarh-Bilaspur MEMU Special (Train No. 08735)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Bilaspur-Raigarh MEMU Special (Train No. 08736)
- Cancelled from July 11 to July 15.
- Bilaspur-Korba MEMU Special (Train No. 08732)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Korba-Bilaspur MEMU Special (Train No. 08731)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Raipur-Korba Passenger Special (Train No. 08280)
- Cancelled from July 11 to July 15.
- Korba-Raipur Passenger Special (Train No. 08279)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Bilaspur-Korba Passenger Special (Train No. 08210)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Gondia-Jharsuguda MEMU Special (Train No. 08861)
- Cancelled from July 11 to July 15.
- Jharsuguda-Gondia MEMU Special (Train No. 08862)
- Cancelled from July 12 to July 16.
- Bilaspur-Titlagarh Passenger Special (Train No. 08264)
- Cancelled on July 13 and 14.
- Titlagarh-Bilaspur Passenger Special (Train No. 08263)
- Cancelled on July 13 and 14.
Impact on Passengers
The cancellation of these trains has left thousands of passengers scrambling to replan their travel schedules. With many travelers having confirmed tickets to major destinations like Delhi, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, the disruption is significant. The refund process has been initiated, and the railway authorities have already processed refunds for 10,000 tickets. However, the impact on passengers is substantial, as they now have to contend with fully booked alternative trains, with waitlists exceeding 300 passengers in some cases.
Alternative Arrangements and Recommendations
In light of these cancellations, passengers are advised to explore alternative travel options. Here are some recommendations:
- Check Availability on Alternate Trains: With many trains running at full capacity, it is crucial to check the availability and book tickets on alternate routes as early as possible.
- Consider Road Transport: For short to medium distances, road transport might be a viable alternative. Buses and car rentals can provide flexibility and convenience, especially for urgent travel needs.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official railway announcements and updates. The situation is dynamic, and staying informed can help passengers make timely decisions.
- Plan Ahead: For future travel, consider booking tickets well in advance and exploring multiple options to ensure a backup plan is in place.
Railway’s Commitment to Improvement
Despite the current inconvenience, the South East Central Railway assures passengers that the ongoing work is aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the railway network. The siding connectivity and auto signaling projects are expected to significantly improve the operational capabilities of the railway system. Once completed, these upgrades will result in faster train speeds and reduced travel times, ultimately benefiting passengers in the long run.
Future Outlook
The railway authorities are committed to completing the infrastructure work as swiftly as possible to minimize disruptions. In the meantime, passengers are encouraged to cooperate and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans. The completion of these projects will pave the way for a more robust and efficient railway network, capable of meeting the growing demands of passengers.
The cancellation of 21 trains due to infrastructure work in the Akaltara-Naila section has undoubtedly caused significant inconvenience to passengers. However, these temporary disruptions are part of a broader effort to enhance the railway’s operational efficiency and safety. Passengers affected by the cancellations are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements and stay updated on the latest developments. The railway authorities are working diligently to complete the necessary upgrades and resume normal services at the earliest.
