Why the Routes Are Changing
The disruption is due to extensive yard remodelling at the Bina and Agasod stations. This work is part of a crucial project by West Central Railway and North Central Railway to connect a third railway line between the two stations. The upgrades involve
pre-non-interlocking and non-interlocking work, which are technical processes for integrating new tracks and signals with the existing network. While causing temporary inconvenience, these efforts are essential for enhancing the safety, speed, and operational efficiency of train services, ultimately allowing the network to handle increasing rail traffic more effectively.
Affected Services: The Full List
The diversions will impact a total of 17 train services on specific dates throughout October. Passengers are advised to check the exact dates for their specific train. The affected pairs of trains include services connecting Rewa with Dr Ambedkar Nagar and Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Jabalpur with Veraval, and Bhopal with destinations like Jodhpur, Dhanbad, Chopan, and Singrauli. Additionally, the weekly express train connecting Howrah and Bhopal is also on the diversion list. The remodelling work is scheduled to continue in phases until October 15, with different trains being diverted on different dates within this window.
Key Trains and Their New Routes
The diverted trains will be rerouted through several major junctions to bypass the work area. For instance, Train No. 12185 Rewa-Rani Kamalapati Rewanchal Express and its return service (12186) will run via Katni, Jabalpur, and Itarsi from October 8 to 14. Similarly, the Bhopal-Jodhpur Express (14814/14813) will be diverted via Sant Hirdaram Nagar, Maksi, Nagda, and Kota for the first half of October. Other trains, like the Bhopal-Dhanbad Tri-Weekly Express (11631/11632) and the Howrah-Bhopal Weekly Express (13025/13026), will be rerouted through the Itarsi, Jabalpur, and Katni South corridor on their specified dates of diversion. These changes mean journey times may be longer, and scheduled stops at original route stations will be missed.
A Detailed Look at the Diversions
Here is a breakdown of some of the key services and their diversion periods: Rewa-Dr Ambedkar Nagar Express (11703/11704): Diverted via Bina Malkhedi, Guna, and Maksi on October 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Jabalpur-Veraval Express (11466/11465): Diverted via Itarsi and Bhopal on October 9, 10, and 12. Rewa-Rani Kamalapati Rewanchal Express (12185/12186): Diverted via Katni, Jabalpur, and Itarsi from October 8 to 14. Bhopal-Jodhpur Express (14814/14813): Diverted via Maksi, Nagda, and Kota from October 1 to 15. Howrah-Bhopal Weekly Express (13025/13026): Diverted via New Katni Jn, Jabalpur, and Itarsi on October 12 and 14. Bhopal-Singrauli Express (22165): Diverted via Itarsi, Jabalpur, and Katni South on October 10, 13, and 14. Passengers holding tickets for these and other affected trains should confirm the final route before starting their journey.
What Passengers Should Do
Indian Railways has urged all passengers with travel plans in October to be proactive and verify their train's status before heading to the station. You can check for the latest updates, including schedules and diversion details, on the official National Train Enquiry System (NTES) website or mobile app. Travellers should also account for potential delays and longer journey times due to the rerouting. If your travel plans are severely affected, it is advisable to check the railway's policies regarding ticket cancellations and refunds for diverted services. Keeping a close watch on official announcements from West Central Railway will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
