The Ranchi railway division has announced a temporary bus service to ensure passenger connectivity after cracks were detected in a crucial railway bridge. The disruption affects the Ranchi-Lohardaga-Tori section, prompting immediate contingency measures.
Bridge Damage Halts Train Movement
Karuna Nidhi Singh, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Ranchi, confirmed that two pillars of bridge number 115 have developed cracks. This damage has significantly impacted train services on the route. The bridge is located on the Koel River between Nagjua and Lohardaga stations.
A team of experts, along with South Eastern Railway (SER) General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra, inspected the site on Tuesday. Mishra indicated that the primary cause is suspected to be sand excavation from the river, which exposed the foundation of the pillars. Subsequent water flow led to soil erosion, resulting in the tilting of the pier.
Interim Bus Service and Train Diversions
To mitigate passenger inconvenience, the division is launching a dedicated bus service. This service will cover the approximately seven-kilometer stretch from Lohardaga to Irgaon. Simultaneously, trains on the affected section are being diverted to alternative routes.
The railway administration has stated that repair work will take considerable time. Normal train operations are tentatively expected to resume from March. Meanwhile, meticulous restoration measures have been planned to address the structural issues.
Cancellations and Passenger Advisory
Due to the ongoing situation, several trains have been cancelled or diverted. Passengers are advised to note the following specific cancellations:
- The Ranchi–Sasaram Express will remain cancelled from Ranchi from January 5 to January 7.
- The Sasaram–Ranchi Express will remain cancelled from Sasaram from January 6 to January 8.
The Ranchi railway division urges passengers to check the latest updates before planning their journey and to utilize the provided bus service for connectivity between Lohardaga and Irgaon.
