Why the Disruption?
The diversions are necessary to facilitate crucial yard remodelling and non-interlocking work at Bina and Agasod stations. This technical upgrade is part of a larger project by West Central Railway and North Central Railway to connect a third railway
line between the two stations. Non-interlocking work involves modernising the signalling system, which allows for safer and more efficient train movement. While these projects cause temporary inconvenience, they are essential for increasing the route's capacity, which helps in smoother train operations and reduces future delays. The work is being carried out in phases, with the final non-interlocking phase scheduled from October 13 to October 15, impacting services throughout the first half of the month.
Rewanchal and Gondwana Express: New Routes
Two of the most prominent services affected are the Rewanchal and Gondwana Express trains. Passengers aboard these trains should pay close attention to the revised schedules and routes. From October 8 to October 14, Train No. 12185 Rewa-Rani Kamalapati Rewanchal Express will be diverted to run via Katni Junction, Jabalpur, and Itarsi Junction. Similarly, Train No. 12186 Rani Kamalapati-Rewa Rewanchal Express will use the same reverse route during this period. For a single day, on October 8, Train No. 22181 Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Gondwana Express will operate on a diverted path via Katni Junction, Ohan, and Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi.
Full List of Affected Train Services
A total of 17 train services will be impacted on various dates between October 1 and October 15. Besides the Rewanchal and Gondwana, key affected trains include the Bhopal-Jodhpur services and several weekly expresses. Train Nos. 14814 Bhopal-Jodhpur and 14813 Jodhpur-Bhopal will be diverted via Sant Hirdaram Nagar, Maksi, Nagda, and Kota for the first two weeks of October. Other trains, such as the Howrah-Bhopal Weekly Express (13025/13026), Bhopal-Dhanbad Tri-Weekly Express (11631/11632), Rewa-Dr Ambedkar Nagar Tri-Weekly Express (11703/11704), and Veraval-Jabalpur Express (11465/11466), will also run on alternate routes on specific dates. The list is rounded out by the Bhopal-Chopan Weekly Express (11633/11634) and the Bhopal-Singrauli Tri-Weekly Express (22165/22166), which will be rerouted via Itarsi and Jabalpur.
What This Means for Passengers
If you are scheduled to travel on one of the affected trains, it is crucial to plan ahead. The diversions mean that some trains will skip their usual stoppages. For instance, the Bhopal-Jodhpur Express will not halt at Bina during its diversion period. Journey times may also be longer than usual due to the rerouting. Indian Railways has advised all passengers to verify the latest status of their train before starting their journey. You can check for real-time updates using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or website, the IRCTC portal, or by calling the railway helpline at 139. It is recommended to check your train's revised route, stoppages, and timings to avoid any last-minute confusion.
