Naugachhia: Train traffic on the Katihar-Barauni section of Sonpur division of East Central Railway (ECR) can be restored by Wednesday morning if further rain does not hamper ongoing repairing works, an official said on Tuesday. Trains were suspended on the section since Monday afternoon after an over-30-metre stretch of the down track was damaged.
Rajesh Kumar, ECR Hajipur chief public relation officer (CPRO), said a number of trains have been diverted and cancelled till September 9, and that repair works have started on war footing under the supervision of railways officials.
"Soil below the track was washed out and it left the track hanging," Rajesh said. "We apprehended underground water slippage might cause such damage below the tracks, but our experts will find out the actual reason. Repair work has been initiated applying modern scientific techniques."
The incident happened between the Sahebpurkamal and Lakshmania railway stations. The Katihar-Barauni section runs alongside the Kosi and Ganga and during floods such incidents are common. Narayanpur to Pasraha Dhala on this section is another point where every year land below the tracks sinks, mainly due to floods.
All six trains on this route has been cancelled while seven long distance trains have been diverted from Katihar to different routes and two trains were terminated, said Rajesh. He also said that apart from the mail and express trains, eight pairs of passengers trains, mostly from Katihar to Barauni, are also cancelled with immediate effect up to September 9.
Asked why trains have been suspended till September 9 when the repair work should be over by Wednesday, Rajesh said unexpected rains could hamper the repairs.
"Since rain is not in our hands, we cannot guarantee our work schedule and are keeping some buffer," the CPRO said.
The ECR section is a lifeline for many districts such as Katihar, Purnea, Bhagalpur, Khagaria and Begusarai.
"I have to face heavy loss as I could not supply milk to Begusarai due to cancellation of passenger trains," said Pramod Kumar, a milk vendor here.
