Bhubaneswar, July 31 (UDN): Train operations on the Bondamunda–Rourkela section under the Chakradharpur Railway Division will face major disruptions between September 24 and October 3 due to scheduled non-interlocking (NI) work. As part of the maintenance exercise, Indian Railways has cancelled 13 pairs of passenger and long-distance trains and revised the schedule of the Tapaswini Express.

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The non-interlocking work is being undertaken to upgrade signalling infrastructure and enhance operational safety, allowing for more efficient train movement on one of the region’s key railway corridors.

Passenger Services Cancelled

Several passenger and MEMU services catering to daily commuters will remain cancelled during the maintenance period. These include:

Hatia–Rourkela Passenger (58659/58660)
Hatia–Jharsuguda MEMU (18175/18176)
Tatanagar–Hatia Express (18601/18602)

The temporary suspension is expected to impact regular travellers, particularly those commuting between Odisha and Jharkhand.

Long-Distance Trains Also Cancelled

The railway administration has also withdrawn several long-distance services operating through the affected section. The cancelled trains include:

Sambalpur–Jammu Tawi Express (18309/18310)
Rourkela–Jaynagar Express (18105/18106)
Hatia–Durg Express (18641/18642)
Gorakhpur–Sambalpur Express (15027/15028)
Puri–Hatia Tapaswini Express (18451/18452)

Passengers booked on these trains are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative travel options during the disruption.

Tapaswini Express Schedule Revised

In addition to cancellations, the departure timing of the 18451 Hatia–Puri Tapaswini Express has been modified. From September 25 to October 1, the train will depart Hatia one hour later than its regular scheduled time. Railway authorities have requested passengers to verify the revised timetable before travelling to the station.

Railways Advises Passengers

The Railways has urged passengers to stay updated on train schedules through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), the official Indian Railways website, or the Railway helpline 139 before starting their journey. Refunds for cancelled trains will be processed in accordance with existing Railway refund rules.

The signalling upgrade is expected to improve safety and operational efficiency on the Bondamunda–Rourkela section once the work is completed, although temporary inconvenience to passengers is anticipated during the 10-day maintenance period.