Uttar Pradesh Train Services Rerouted and Extended Amid Major Gorakhpur Station Renovation
Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a temporary reshuffling of major train services originating from Maharashtra due to extensive infrastructure development underway at Gorakhpur Junction. As one of the most critical rail hubs in the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone, Gorakhpur’s ongoing upgradation has compelled Indian Railways to divert, extend, or reschedule several long-distance passenger trains. This move is designed to minimize disruptions for passengers traveling between Mumbai and key cities in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, with changes expected to last until the end of 2025.
Three major train services—the Godan Express, the Mumbai LTT Azamgarh Superfast Express, and the Mumbai LTT Dhanbad Summer Special—are directly impacted. While one train has had its terminal station temporarily shifted, another has had its route extended, and the third has received a seasonal extension with additional trips added. These alterations come in the wake of operational constraints at Gorakhpur, which is undergoing modernization work to handle increasing passenger traffic and improve turnaround efficiency. The most notable change is in the operation of the Godan Express (Train Nos 11055 and 11056), which traditionally runs between Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Gorakhpur. This service will now terminate and originate at Gonda Junction instead of Gorakhpur until December 7 2025. Gonda, another major junction in eastern Uttar Pradesh, was chosen due to its operational readiness and connectivity. The railways aim to ensure minimal inconvenience to passengers, especially those dependent on this daily service for access to central and eastern parts of the state.
According to the revised schedule, Train No 11055 will continue to depart from Mumbai LTT at 1055 AM and arrive in Gonda at 1100 PM the following day. Similarly, the return journey (Train No 11056) will leave Gonda at 310 AM and reach Mumbai LTT by 330 PM the next day. Importantly, the change is limited to the terminating station—no intermediate stops have been modified. Officials confirm that ticketing has been updated to reflect the new route, and refunds or adjustments are being offered for Gorakhpur-bound passengers. In addition to Gonda, Azamgarh in eastern Uttar Pradesh is now emerging as a new temporary terminal due to the extension of the Mumbai LTT Gorakhpur Superfast Express, which will now run up to Azamgarh. This change affects Train Nos 20103 and 20104 and will remain effective until early December 2025. As per the new route, the train will no longer stop at or pass through Gorakhpur Junction during the upgrade period.
Train No 20103 will leave Mumbai LTT at 523 AM and reach Azamgarh at 315 PM the following day. On the return leg, Train No 20104 will depart Azamgarh at 650 PM and arrive at Mumbai LTT at 435 AM on the third day. This route alteration is significant for passengers from Azamgarh Mau and nearby districts who now receive direct train access to Mumbai without detouring through Gorakhpur. The railways have emphasized that this adjustment not only helps manage congestion at Gorakhpur but also boosts direct connectivity to underserved eastern districts. Another important update comes in the form of service expansion for the Mumbai LTT Dhanbad Summer Special (Train Nos 03380 and 03379). Originally a seasonal service, this special fare train has now been granted ten additional round trips in July to accommodate peak summer demand and ensure seamless access to Jharkhand. With the Gorakhpur corridor temporarily restricted, this train provides an alternate lifeline to passengers headed toward Bihar and Jharkhand.
According to the revised schedule, Train No 03380 will now run from July 3 to July 31 2025, departing Mumbai LTT every Thursday. Meanwhile, the return service—Train No 03379—will operate every Saturday from Dhanbad during the same window. This move is seen as a relief for seasonal travelers and migrant workers heading home or returning to Mumbai for work during the peak summer season. The decision to reroute and extend these train services was taken after careful planning by the Indian Railways in coordination with the North Eastern Railway zone. Officials emphasized that these changes are essential to facilitate infrastructure development at Gorakhpur, which includes platform expansion, signaling upgrades, and improved sanitation and passenger facilities. With an average daily footfall in the tens of thousands, Gorakhpur’s modernization project is seen as a necessary disruption for long-term efficiency and safety.
Uttar Pradesh government officials have also welcomed these temporary measures. A state transport officer confirmed that alternative transport options, including feeder buses from Gorakhpur to Gonda and Azamgarh, will be made available for passengers facing inconvenience due to these changes. In addition, announcements are being made regularly across stations, and help desks have been activated to assist travelers with rebooking, refunds, or redirection information. Indian Railways has assured that these modifications are temporary and all services are expected to revert to their original routes post December 2025 once the Gorakhpur station revamp is complete. Until then, passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and consult updated timetables and railway advisories for the latest information.
In the broader context, these changes highlight the balancing act Indian Railways must perform—modernizing infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted service across an already burdened network. With eastern Uttar Pradesh witnessing rising demand for railway services, proactive adjustments such as these are crucial in ensuring that mobility and development progress in tandem.
