Rs 300 Crore Station Redevelopment Forces 21-Day Mainline Shutdown at Gaya

Gaya railway station redevelopment has closed line one to train operations for three weeks. Operations on that line remain suspended until May 16. The Rs 300 crore upgrade aims to deliver world-class standards and airport-like amenities. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Line one closure and affected trains

The suspension began from zero hours on Tuesday. It allows work connected with the station redevelopment. As The Times of India reported, East Central Railway’s notification covered altered services. Line number one is not available for operations during this period.

Also, the Patna-Cherapalli Summer Special will bypass Gaya and run through Bandhua station. Meanwhile, the Gaya-Kamakhya Express will terminate at Manpur station. Only dry cleaning will be possible there because watering facilities are not available.

In addition, train number 6325, the Patna-Dehri On Sone MEMU via Gaya, has been rescheduled. Separately, the number of coaches has been reduced on several services. They include:
• Singrauli-Patna Express via Gaya;
• Rajgir-Patna Intercity via Gaya;
• Palamu Express;
• Patna-Gaya Passenger.

At the same time, railway authorities said the suspension is being implemented in phases. This is meant to reduce inconvenience to passengers. Also, operations on lines two and three were suspended earlier. Those suspensions took place in February and March.

Gaya railway station redevelopment schedule and scope

Still, the redevelopment is already behind its initial schedule. The project was earlier expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The second entrance and exit on the Delha side has started operating. It has separate arrival and departure points. Significant work remains pending.

The Rs 300 crore project includes a 6,400 sq metre concourse. For example, the scope also covers modern waiting halls, high-speed Wi-Fi and an upgraded announcement system. In addition, it includes escalators, elevators and facilities for elderly and differently-abled passengers.

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