Railways launches special train to ease travel

Patna: In view of severe traffic disruption following the sudden collapse of Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur, the railways has announced a special train service between Saraigarh under Samastipur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) and Deoghar to ease travel on both sides of the Ganga.Samastipur divisional railway manager Jyoti Prakash Mishra said the special trains would run daily from May 7 to May 31. The move aims to provide a reliable alternative for commuters and pilgrims affected by disruption of road connectivity across the river, he said.The special train will depart Saraigarh at 3.05am and reach Deoghar at 11.20am the same day. On the return journey, the train will leave Deoghar at 11.35am and reach Saraigarh at 10.15pm, Mishra said.Keeping passenger convenience in view, the train will halt at key stations including Supaul, Saharsa, Simri-Bakhtiyarpur, Mansi, Khagaria, Sabdalpur, Munger, Sultanganj, Bhagalpur and Banka, ensuring connectivity across major towns affected by the bridge collapse, he said.ECR’s CPRO Saraswati Chandra said the service is expected to significantly reduce travel hardship and restore normalcy for commuters. Additional arrangements, including enhanced ticketing and onboard facilities, are being planned to handle the rush, he said.The collapse of Vikramshila Setu had halted vehicular movement across the Ganga, severely affecting transport and supply chains. The special train is being seen as a crucial interim measure benefiting people on both sides of the river, he added.