Yard Restructuring Work At Odisha’s Sambalpur Railway Station; Check Trains Being Diverted

Bhubaneswar: As part of the Railways’ plan to upgrade and modernise key stations across the country, a significant yard restructuring work is being undertaken at Sambalpur Railway Station in Odisha.

This project aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve train management at this crucial station, a key hub in the railway network of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone, a railway release said on Tuesday.

Sambalpur Railway Station plays a pivotal role in regional logistics and passenger transport, being one of the critical stations under the East Coast Railway zone. This modernization project will not only increase the station’s handling capacity but will also ensure a more streamlined, efficient rail service for passengers and goods traffic alike. Once completed, passengers can expect smoother train operations, reduced waiting times and enhanced overall service quality.

This comprehensive yard remodeling will involve shifting the Bay Line, Loco Reversal Line and Inspection Carriage Siding. The Bay Line will also be extended to a full-length platform as part of this modernization work. The project is expected to take 4.5 months (135 days). Indian Railways remains committed to upgrading infrastructure in line with increasing passenger demand, regional development, and national logistics requirements.

Key Aspects of the Restructuring Work:

• Addition of New Platforms: Two new platforms will be constructed, extending the station’s capacity to handle more trains and passengers.

• Extra Lines for Smooth Operations: Additional lines are being added to facilitate the easy movement and control of trains, reducing delays and enhancing punctuality.

• Improved Train Movement: Once completed, trains will be able to enter Sambalpur Station smoothly, without detentions at nearby stations.

Temporary Diversions:

Due to the scale of the yard restructuring, several train services will be temporarily diverted. Five pairs of trains will be diverted via Sambalpur City Station, bypassing Sambalpur Station, by providing stoppages for passenger boarding and detraining. This diversion is essential to ensure smooth operations during the construction period.

The affected trains and diversion dates are as follows:

1. 18126/18125 Puri-Rourkela-Puri Express: From both sides from September 20, 2024 to February 5, 2025 from both the directions.

2. 12879/12880 LTT-Bhubaneswar-LTT Express: From LTT from September 21, 2024 to  February 1, 2025 and from Bhubaneswar from September 23, 2024 to February 3, 2025.

3. 22865/22866 LTT-Puri-LTT Express: From LTT from September 19, 2024 to January 30, 2025 and from Puri from September 24, 2024 to February 4, 2025.

4. 20471/20472 Lalgarh-Puri-Lalgarh Express: From Lalgarh from September 22, 2024 to February 2, 2025 and from Puri from September 25, 2024 to February 5, 2025.

5. 20813/20814 Puri-Jodhpur-Puri Express: From Puri from September 25, 2024 to February 5, 2025 and from Jodhpur from September 21, 2024 to February 1, 2025.

These diverted trains will have a 5-minute stoppage at Sambalpur City Station for passenger convenience.

Cancellation of MEMU Train Service:

To accommodate the restructuring work, the 08169/08170 Jharsuguda-Sambalpur-Jharsuguda MEMU train will be cancelled between September 20, 2024 and February 5, 2025.