Railway passengers in Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions are facing major disruption as the Bilaspur Railway Division has cancelled multiple passenger services for eight days. A total of 10 trains have been affected due to ongoing infrastructure work on the Bilaspur–Jharsuguda section. The sudden change has created confusion and inconvenience among daily commuters who rely heavily on local and MEMU services.

Reason Behind the Train Cancellations

According to railway officials, the disruption is linked to the ongoing project of connecting a fourth railway line between Bilaspur and Jharsuguda. The construction work is being carried out at Akaltara railway station, requiring track blocks between April 11 and April 18. Initially, the work was scheduled earlier, but adjustments were made to temporarily restore services for passenger convenience before reimposing cancellations due to operational requirements.

Impact on Train Services

Several important local and passenger trains running between Bilaspur, Raigarh, Gevra Road, Korba, and Raipur have been cancelled during this period. The disruption also affects the Jharsuguda–Gondia passenger service, which will operate only partially on its route. In addition, key services have been modified, including express trains operating in shortened routes or being converted into passenger services on certain stretches, especially between Korba and Bilaspur.

Schedule Changes and Passenger Confusion

The situation has caused confusion among passengers as the railway administration had earlier restored services after briefly cancelling them. Just a day before the latest order, officials had indicated that trains would be operational for a short duration to ease passenger hardship. However, revised orders issued soon after confirmed full cancellations again for the April 11–18 window, replacing the earlier April 3–10 schedule plan.

Alternative Arrangements and Operational Adjustments

To manage passenger movement partially, the Hasdeo Express service between Korba and Raipur has been downgraded to run as a passenger train between Korba and Bilaspur, while continuing its express operation from Bilaspur towards Raipur. Despite these adjustments, no major alternative transport arrangement has been officially announced, leaving regular commuters to seek other travel options.