The temporary suspension of several local passenger and MEMU services was announced earlier to facilitate non-interlocking work and the commissioning of an automatic signalling system on the third railway line between Bhatapara and Hathband in Raipur Division. The project is part of SECR's broader network modernisation programme aimed at improving operational efficiency and increasing route capacity.

With the completion of the scheduled engineering work, railway authorities confirmed that the cancelled MEMU services have resumed operation from Wednesday, bringing normalcy back to one of the busiest suburban rail corridors in Chhattisgarh.

The restoration comes as a significant relief for thousands of daily commuters, office-goers, students and small traders who rely on MEMU services connecting Bilaspur, Raipur, Bhatapara, Hathband and nearby stations. The temporary cancellations had affected regular travel plans across the region over the past two days.

Railway officials said the signalling upgrade forms an important part of the ongoing third-line expansion project. The introduction of automatic signalling is expected to improve train movement, reduce congestion and enhance operational safety by allowing better management of traffic on the section.

During the maintenance period, SECR had cancelled multiple MEMU and passenger trains while advising passengers to verify train schedules before travelling. The cancellations were planned in advance to enable uninterrupted execution of the technical work required for commissioning the upgraded signalling system.

Officials have stated that while passengers experienced short-term inconvenience, the completed infrastructure upgrade is expected to benefit railway operations in the long run. The modern signalling arrangement will help increase line capacity and support smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains on the route.

The Bhatapara–Hathband section plays an important role within the Bilaspur–Raipur rail network, serving thousands of commuters every day while also handling substantial freight traffic. Railway authorities have been implementing phased upgrades across the corridor to accommodate rising traffic demand and improve punctuality.

With services now restored, passengers have been advised to continue checking official railway updates for any operational changes related to future infrastructure works. Railway officials also appealed for public cooperation during such projects, noting that temporary disruptions are often necessary to strengthen railway infrastructure and improve safety standards.

The successful completion of the signalling work marks another milestone in SECR's ongoing network modernisation efforts, with normal train operations now resuming across the affected section.

Rail passengers in Chhattisgarh are set to face travel disruptions as the South East Central Railway (SECR) has cancelled eight MEMU and passenger trains on July 22 and 23 due to infrastructure work on the Bhatapara–Hathbandh section in the Raipur Division.

The services have been suspended to facilitate non-interlocking (NI) work required for the commissioning of an automatic signalling system on the third railway line. Railway officials said the work is part of an ongoing infrastructure development programme aimed at improving operational efficiency and increasing line capacity.

Third-Line Project Behind the Disruption

According to SECR, the third-line project between Bhatapara and Hathbandh is progressing rapidly, and the current phase involves installing and commissioning automatic signalling equipment. During the non-interlocking work, train operations on the affected section will remain restricted, leading to temporary cancellations.

Railway authorities said the infrastructure upgrade is expected to improve train movement and reduce congestion on one of the region's busiest rail corridors once completed.

Trains Cancelled on July 22

The following trains will remain cancelled on 22 July:

• Train No. 68728 – Raipur–Bilaspur MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 68734 – Bilaspur–Gevra Road MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 68733 – Gevra Road–Bilaspur MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 68719 – Bilaspur–Raipur MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 58203 – Korba–Raipur Passenger
• Train No. 58204 – Raipur–Korba Passenger
• Train No. 68746 – Raipur–Gevra Road MEMU Passenger

Train Cancelled on July 23

• Train No. 68745 – Korba–Raipur MEMU Passenger

Jharsuguda–Gondia MEMU to Be Short-Terminated

Railway authorities have also announced changes to the 68862/68861 Jharsuguda–Gondia–Jharsuguda MEMU service.

On 22 July, the train will terminate at Bilaspur and begin its return journey from the same station. As a result, services between Bilaspur and Gondia in both directions will remain cancelled for the day.

Passengers Advised to Check Train Status

With several local and regional passenger services affected, commuters travelling between Bilaspur, Raipur, Korba, Gevra Road and Gondia have been advised to verify the latest train status before starting their journey.

Railway officials have said the temporary inconvenience is necessary to complete the signalling upgrade, which is expected to improve safety, operational efficiency and capacity on the route in the long run.