Railways suspend and reroute trains as Bihar floods surge
Railways canceled and diverted multiple services in Bihar after rising water near Bridge No. 21. Floods affected about 1.026 million people across 11 districts, with Ganga levels setting new highs in Gandhi Ghat and Pandarak.
Key takeaways
- Rail operations near Patna were disrupted due to high water levels at a bridge on the down line between Patna Sahib and Patliputra Junction.
- Multiple trains were canceled or diverted, affecting routes between Gaya, Patna, Rajgir, Banaras, and Dhanbad.
- About 1.026 million people across 11 districts were reported affected by floods, with Ganga levels surpassing previous records at Gandhi Ghat and Pandarak.
What Happened
The East Central Railway reported that train movements near Patna were disrupted due to high water levels on the down line close to Bridge No. 21 between Patna Sahib and Patliputra Junction. Services were suspended from 8:10 pm on September 4, 2026, and several trains were canceled. The affected trains include multiple MEMU services between Gaya and Patna Junction, and between Patna Junction and Gaya, as well as two Patna–Rajgir and Patna–Gaya routes. In addition, several trains were diverted along alternative routes: 13329 (Dhanbad–Patna Express) via BNF/PMI – TIA – IPR – FUT – PNBE; 13330 (Patna–Dhanbad Express) via PNBE – FUT – IPR – TIA – BNF/PMI; 15138 (Banaras–Rajgir Express) via DDU – BXR – ARA – PNBE; 15137 (Rajgir–Banaras Express) via PNBE – ARA – BXR – DDU; 18625 (Purnia Court–Hatia Express) on September 6, via Bakhtiyarpur – Rajgir – Tilaiya – Purnea – Banmankhi; 18626 (Hatia–Purnia Court Express) on September 6, via Banmankhi – Purnea – Tilaiya – Rajgir – Bakhtiyarpur. Flood conditions also affected nearby rivers, with the Ganga rising to levels that prompted the modifications in train operations.
The flood situation in Bihar intensified with reports that around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts were affected. The Ganga breached its previous highest flood level at Gandhi Ghat and Pandarak in Patna during the morning hours, amid heavy rainfall. An aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Bhagalpur and Naugachia was conducted by the Chief Minister, who reviewed relief and rescue operations as part of the response plan. Authorities indicated ongoing monitoring of embankments and heightened vigilance in vulnerable areas.
In official updates, the Water Resources Department noted that the Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat rose by 10 cm within four hours to 50.53 metres around 10 am on a Saturday, surpassing the prior peak of 50.52 metres recorded in August 2016. Forecasts suggested the level could climb further to about 50.62 metres by early Sunday, with advisories urging caution. At Pandarak, the Ganga was flowing at 43.78 metres at 10 am on September 5, exceeding the previous record of 43.73 metres from August 2021. The situation prompted authorities to prioritise flood relief and public safety measures.
Public communications from officials referenced ongoing monitoring of containment works and protective measures, with emphasis on safeguarding residents and critical infrastructure. The reporting also noted that these developments occurred within a broader context of monsoon-related flooding affecting the region.
Why It Matters
The disruption of rail services intersects with a broader emergency response to flooding in Bihar, potentially affecting mobility for residents, relief workers, and relief supplies. The rerouting of several long-distance trains, along with cancellations of multiple MEMU services, illustrates how infrastructure operations are responding to rising water and the need to maintain safety standards while preserving essential connectivity. The floods have affected a large portion of the population, underscoring the scale of impact and the importance of coordinated disaster management and transport resilience in flood-prone areas.
Background
The reporting highlights two strands: (1) railway operations near Patna are being adjusted due to high water at a specific bridge on the down line between Patna Sahib and Patliputra Junction, and (2) widespread flood conditions in Bihar with Ganga water levels attaining new records at Gandhi Ghat and Pandarak, accompanied by a large number of people affected across multiple districts. An official aerial survey and a review of relief and rescue operations were carried out by state authorities in response to the floods, indicating ongoing government-led emergency management activity.
Key Facts
- Train movement suspended from 8:10 pm on September 4, 2026, due to high water near Bridge No. 21 between Patna Sahib (PPN) and Patliputra Junction (PRBZ) on the down line.
- List of canceled trains includes: 63242, 63244, 63245, 63247, 63248, 63251, 63256, 63274, 63250, 63253 (all MEMU or related routes between Gaya, Patna, and Rajgir).
- Diversions implemented for 13329 (Dhanbad–Patna Express), 13330 (Patna–Dhanbad Express), 15138 (Banaras–Rajgir Express), 15137 (Rajgir–Banaras Express), 18625 (Purnia Court–Hatia Express) on Sept 6; routes altered to bypass the usual Patna–Gaya–Koderma corridor.
- Approximately 10.26 lakh people affected across 11 districts due to floods in Bihar.
- Ganga water level at Gandhi Ghat reached 50.53 metres at 10 am, 10 cm higher in four hours, surpassing the previous high of 50.52 metres set in Aug 2016.
- Ganga at Pandarak recorded 43.78 metres at 10 am on Sep 5, higher than the previous peak 43.73 metres from Aug 2021.
- The Water Resources Department forecast potential rise to about 50.62 metres by Sunday morning and advised caution.
- Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey of Bhagalpur and Naugachia flood-affected areas and reviewed rescue operations.
What Happens Next
Authorities forecast possible further increases in Ganga levels and indicated continued monitoring of embankments and flood-prone areas. The transport department and railway administration have signaled ongoing adjustments to timetables and routes as required by the water levels, with further updates to follow as the situation develops and as embankment conditions are assessed.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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