Big rail disruption in June as 77 trains get cancelled across multiple states

The schools are closed. We've taken leave from work. Our bags are packed. As for train reservations, they were made two months ago. In short, if everything is ready and you're just about to leave next week, then this news is for you. Because a move by Indian Railways could derail your family vacation plans.

No, no, we're not trying to scare you. We're just telling you that even if your train reservation is confirmed, you should definitely check your train status before traveling anywhere in June. If you arrive at the station with a heavy suitcase after haggling with auto drivers, only to find out that your train isn't arriving today, you'll definitely feel bad.

According to railway sources, the Railways is preparing for a mega block in June. Under this plan, not just one or two, but 77 trains will be cancelled. Furthermore, the routes of several superfast trains, including the Duronto, have also been altered. Simply put, rail travel is going to be a bit chaotic next month.

Now you might be wondering what happened so suddenly that the Railways had to cancel so many trains. Let me explain the whole story in a relaxed manner.

WHY ARE THE RAILWAYS DOING THIS?

So, has the Railways become the enemy of your holidays? Why is your reserved seat being swept away like this? The answer is compulsion. Retired railway officer V.K. Gupta explains:

“Whenever the Railways cancels such a large number of trains, it's usually due to some major maintenance or infrastructure work. The Railways never takes such drastic steps without reason.”

V.K. Gupta is absolutely right. According to railway sources, the reason behind the mega block starting in June is maintenance work. In fact, work is underway to connect the fourth railway line (non-interlocking) at Champa station in the Bilaspur Railway Division.

Now, as tracks are laid and signaling work is carried out, trains on that route will either stop or be diverted. The Railways says this work is crucial for increasing train speeds and reducing delays in the future. But that's a matter for the future; for now, this move by the Railways is causing problems for ordinary passengers.

This work will directly impact not just one state, but a large part of the country:

• West Bengal
• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Jharkhand
• Odisha

In other words, if you live in any of these states, there's a possibility that your train may also be included in this list.

HOW MANY TRAINS WILL BE AFFECTED?

According to NDTV, the number of trains affected by this mega block is significant. This means a large number of rail passengers will be affected by this move. Let’s understand the impact point by point.

Total trains cancelled: 77 (including 65 express/superfast trains and 12 local passenger trains).
Route diversions: Around 8 major trains will be diverted to longer routes instead of their scheduled routes.
Short termination: 6 trains will stop before reaching their final destination (i.e., they will not go to their scheduled destination).

Change in timings: The departure or arrival timings of many trains have been changed, due to which passengers may experience longer travel times.

THESE MAJOR TRAINS WILL BE AFFECTED

The 65 express trains being cancelled by the Railways include premium and long-distance trains on several major routes. A list is provided below. Be sure to cross-check whether your train is included.

• Tatanagar-Bilaspur Express
• South Bihar Express
• Ahmedabad-Howrah Express
• Howrah-CSMT (Mumbai) Express
• Hatia-Pune Express
• Puri-Jodhpur Express
• Okha-Shalimar Express
• Kamakhya-LTT (Mumbai) Express
• Gaya-LTT Express
• Udaipur-Shalimar Express

These are just a few of the major names. Furthermore, many local and MEMU trains will also be cancelled, causing significant inconvenience for working people and small business owners who commute daily.

ALSO READ: Indian Railways to use AI, drones and CCTV to improve passenger safety

ROUTES OF VIP TRAINS, INCLUDING DURONTO, HAVE ALSO BEEN CHANGED

It would have been manageable if it were only about train cancellations. But this railway disruption has spread much further than expected. Even if your train isn't cancelled, it may not necessarily run on its usual route. On routes that are typically extremely busy, the Railways has diverted trains to alternative routes to reduce traffic load.

For example, trains like the Howrah-Pune Duronto Express, CSMT-Howrah Duronto Express, and Gyaneshwari Express will now run via Raipur, Titlagarh, and Jharsuguda instead of the Bilaspur-Champa route.

This simply means that due to the longer route, these trains may run late. Therefore, if you're traveling on these trains, make sure to carry extra food and drinks, as the altered route may not include your usual favorite stations and vendors.

SO WHAT SHOULD RAILWAY PASSENGERS DO?

While the Railways' decision is likely to create problems, passengers themselves will have to manage the inconvenience. Therefore, if you're planning a train journey in June, make sure to keep these three tips in mind:

1. CHECK LIVE STATUS BEFORE LEAVING HOME

Before booking an auto or cab to the station, check the live status by entering your train number on the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app, the IRCTC website, or the “Where is My Train” app on your mobile.

2. KNOW THE REFUND RULES

If the train is cancelled by the Railways, you will receive a full refund. If you booked your ticket online, the refund will be credited directly to your account. For counter tickets, you will need to surrender the ticket at the station counter.

3. KEEP AN ALTERNATIVE READY

If your train is on the cancelled list and your travel is important, then instead of waiting until the last moment, immediately try the Tatkal quota, buses, flights, or any other alternative train options.

Sometimes, due to technical reasons, train schedules are changed or partially restored at the last minute. Therefore, the most accurate information can be obtained by calling the railway helpline number 139.

We wish you a safe and pleasant train journey. Please share this information with your friends and relatives who are preparing to travel in June!