Rail services across Jharkhand are set for significant disruption over the next few weeks, as Indian Railways undertakes critical infrastructure upgrades during the Sawan period. More than ten long-distance and inter-state trains have been cancelled, with several others diverted or short-terminated to accommodate essential maintenance and track renewal works, primarily in the Chakradharpur division.
The decision follows a comprehensive infrastructure enhancement plan by the Railways, aimed at strengthening safety and efficiency on high-traffic routes. These temporary service suspensions, although inconvenient, are considered crucial to improving long-term passenger and freight operations in one of India’s busiest railway zones. Officials from the South Eastern Railway confirmed that the cancellations will be enforced from mid-August to early September 2025. Among the trains affected are several express services that connect Jharkhand to key cities such as Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Banaras, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, and Raxaul. The Chakradharpur division, a vital junction for east-west movement, has been identified as the primary zone for ongoing works.
The affected services include the Hatia–Jharsuguda MEMU Express, Charlapalli–Darbhanga Express (via Ranchi), Visakhapatnam–Banaras Express, Sambalpur–Jammu Tawi Express, and the Hyderabad–Raxaul Express. These trains either originate or pass through Ranchi, a major operational hub in the state. Alongside full cancellations, a few trains such as the Gorakhpur–Sambalpur Express and Sambalpur–Gorakhpur Express will be short-terminated at Hatia station on select dates. According to railway officials, this approach is designed to minimise network disruption while ensuring some level of connectivity is maintained along partially functional routes.
Passengers have been advised to monitor real-time updates through the IRCTC website and the official Railways app to avoid inconvenience. The Railways have emphasised that proactive measures are being taken to manage crowd flow and provide adequate passenger information in light of the disruptions. While these cancellations pose short-term challenges for Sawan travellers and those visiting religious sites during the monsoon month, experts believe that the long-term benefits—enhanced safety, faster trains, and improved punctuality—will outweigh the temporary setbacks.
The Railway Board has also reiterated its commitment to improving service quality through sustained infrastructure investment across zones like Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha, where rail remains a lifeline for both economic activity and social mobility. As one of the few regions where rail continues to hold a dominant transport share, ensuring the robustness of Jharkhand’s railway links is crucial. These maintenance interventions are not only necessary from a technical standpoint but also essential for reducing carbon emissions and supporting more sustainable mobility options compared to growing road traffic.
With India advancing its net-zero and sustainable development goals, prioritising rail infrastructure resilience, especially in under-served states, plays a central role in shaping inclusive and low-carbon mobility networks.
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