Passengers across several states are set to face significant travel disruptions as the South East Central Railway (SECR) has scheduled a 16-day mega block on the Bilaspur–Jharsuguda section for the construction of a fourth railway line.
The block, effective from August 31 to September 15, will result in the cancellation of over 30 trains, including major express and passenger services. Additionally, six trains will be diverted and five will operate on shortened routes. Normal operations are expected to resume only after September 15.
This disruption will severely impact passengers traveling to and from West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Goa, particularly during the busy festive season. Despite the widespread cancellations, the Railways has yet to announce any alternative arrangements, leaving commuters in a difficult position.
The 206-km Bilaspur–Jharsuguda fourth-line project is part of SECR’s ongoing capacity expansion plan. According to officials, over 150 km of track has been completed, and the current block will facilitate the integration of Raigarh station with the new line. Remaining construction work is scheduled to be completed during the block period.
Passenger associations have expressed concern that the timing of the block, coinciding with increased festival travel, will lead to serious inconvenience and overcrowding on alternate routes.
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