Preparations Intensify for Operations on the New Mokama Rail Bridge; Non-Interlocking Work to Begin on September 21, Temporary Changes in Train Routes
Patna: There is important news for railway passengers in Bihar. The Indian Railways has entered the final phase of preparations to begin train operations on the new Mokama Rail Bridge over the Ganges River. As part of this process, Non-Interlocking (NI) work will commence on September 21. To ensure the technical work is completed safely and efficiently, the East Central Railway (ECR) has announced temporary changes in the operation of several important trains.
According to railway officials, some trains will be diverted via Gaya Junction, while others will operate through Kiul, Sheikhpura, Bihar Sharif, and Bakhtiyarpur. The Railways has been continuously informing passengers about these changes through various official communication channels to minimize inconvenience during travel.
What Is Non-Interlocking (NI) Work?
Non-Interlocking (NI) is a critical railway engineering process carried out when a new railway line, bridge, station, or signaling system is integrated into the existing rail network. During this period, signaling systems, track connections, points, and electronic interlocking equipment are tested and synchronized to ensure safe and uninterrupted train operations.
Railway experts explain that this process is essential before regular train services can begin on the new Mokama Rail Bridge. Once completed, the bridge is expected to enhance operational efficiency and increase the capacity of the railway network.
Importance of the New Mokama Rail Bridge
The newly constructed Mokama Rail Bridge across the Ganges is considered one of Bihar's most significant railway infrastructure projects. It is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between northern and southern Bihar.
Railway officials believe the bridge will facilitate smoother train movement, improve operational capacity, and help accommodate growing passenger and freight traffic. Both passenger and freight train services are expected to benefit from the new infrastructure.
Train Routes to Change on Different Dates
According to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway, the Non-Interlocking work will require temporary route changes for several trains on different dates.
The Railway has already released the list of affected trains and their revised routes so that passengers can plan their journeys accordingly.
Route Changes on September 20
On September 20, the Delhi–Kamakhya Brahmaputra Mail (15657) and Kamakhya–Delhi Brahmaputra Mail (15658) will operate via the Grand Chord, Kiul, and Gaya Junction instead of their usual route.
Major Changes on September 21
On September 21, the Howrah–New Delhi Poorva Express (12303) will run via Kiul–Sheikhpura–Bihar Sharif–Bakhtiyarpur instead of its regular route.
On the same day, the Brahmaputra Mail (15657/15658) in both directions will operate via the Grand Chord–Gaya–Kiul route. Additionally, the Anand Vihar Terminal–Bhagalpur Garib Rath Express (22406) will also be diverted through the same route.
Changes from September 22 to September 24
Between September 22 and September 24, the Brahmaputra Mail (15657/15658) in both directions will continue to operate via the Grand Chord–Gaya–Kiul route.
On September 23, the Kolkata–Amritsar Akal Takht Express (12317) will run through Kiul–Sheikhpura–Bihar Sharif–Bakhtiyarpur.
Services Affected on September 25 and 26
On September 25, the Howrah–New Delhi Express (12273) will operate via Kiul–Gaya–Grand Chord.
The Hatia–Patna Express (18622) on the same day will be diverted through Kiul–Sheikhpura–Bihar Sharif–Bakhtiyarpur.
On September 26, the Poorva Express (12303) will once again run via the revised route of Kiul–Sheikhpura–Bihar Sharif–Bakhtiyarpur, while the Brahmaputra Mail (15657/15658) will continue to operate through the Grand Chord–Gaya–Kiul route.
Continuous Passenger Information
Railway authorities stated that updated information regarding all affected trains is being regularly communicated to passengers through railway inquiry offices, reservation centers, official mobile applications, and other authorized information channels.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest status, departure timings, and routes of their trains before starting their journey.
Railway Appeals for Passenger Cooperation
The Railways has emphasized that the Non-Interlocking work is a critical technical and safety-related process required for integrating the new Mokama Rail Bridge into the existing railway network.
Officials have appealed to passengers to cooperate during the temporary changes, assuring them that the revised arrangements are only for a limited period and that normal train operations will resume after the completion of the work.
New Boost to Regional Rail Connectivity
Railway experts believe that once the new Mokama Rail Bridge becomes operational, Bihar's railway network will receive a significant boost. The bridge is expected to improve connectivity between northern and southern Bihar, enhance freight transportation capacity, and facilitate the movement of long-distance passenger trains.
The project is also expected to contribute to regional economic development, trade, and easier travel for millions of passengers.
The Non-Interlocking work beginning on September 21 marks a crucial milestone in the commissioning of the new Mokama Rail Bridge. During this period, several major trains will operate on revised routes to ensure that the technical work is completed safely and efficiently.
The Railway Administration has urged passengers to verify the latest train schedules and route information through official railway channels before traveling. Once the Non-Interlocking work is completed, regular train services on the new Mokama Rail Bridge are expected to commence, providing Bihar's railway network with greater capacity, improved connectivity, and enhanced operational efficiency.
