Train services hit in Samastipur, Muzaffarpur

PATNA: Rail traffic was temporarily suspended in Bairgania-Kundwan-Chainpur section of Samastipur division under East Central Railway (ECR) after floodwaters overtopped the rail tracks on Saturday. Similarly, train services were hit on Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Narkatiaganj route due to floods.

ECR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Rajesh Kumar said floodwaters suddenly overtopped the rail tracks in Bairgania-Kundwan-Chainpur section around 3pm on Saturday.

“The Raxaul-Pataliputra Junction passenger (75215/75216) train, which was to pass through this section, was cancelled,” he added.

The railways diverted routes of Raxaul-Anand Vihar Express (14007) and Darbhanga- Jallundhar City Express (22551). The Darbhanga-Raxaul passenger (75227) train was short terminated at Bairgania.

“Some other trains were also cancelled due to flood-like situation. The track restoration work has started,” a senior railway official at Muzaffarpur said.

Another official said all major long-distance trains, either passing through or originating from Muzaffarpur railway station, were running several hours behind schedule as water accumulated on rail tracks in platform numbers one, two and three.

ECR CPRO Rajesh Kumar said traffic was restored on all routes except Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Narkatiaganj. “Since floodwaters overtopped a rail bridge, train movement was temporarily suspended on the route,” Rajak added.

Muzaffarpur railway station superintendent incharge Sudhir Kumar said railway signal malfunctioned for nearly 12 hours, thereby delaying several trains.

The railways has put its safety staff on high alert in Samastipur division. They have been asked to keep a close watch on the situation. Stone boulders and sandbags have been kept ready to check floodwaters.