Bhagalpur: A breach in the Ganga embankment on the stretch between Sakrigali and Maharajpur has brought rail traffic to a standstill. Four days after the incident, normal timetables are still suspended and a large number of trains continue to be cancelled or diverted on Saturday.

Crews are working round‑the‑clock to reinforce the embankment and restore regular operations. To mitigate passenger inconvenience, Indian Railways has also introduced special trains on the affected corridor.

Special Passenger Trains

The following additional services have been scheduled to offer alternatives:

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

Major Trains Cancelled

A host of MEMU and passenger services remain suspended, among them:

  • 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 affected, 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

Several long‑haul trains will use alternative routes to bypass the damaged section:

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

Trains Starting or Ending Early

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

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

Repair Work Ongoing

Railway teams continue to shore up the embankment and aim for a swift restoration of full service. Passengers are urged to check the latest train statuses before departure, as schedules may still change until normal operations resume.