ECoR: Major Yard restructuring at Sambalpur

Major yard restructuring works will be done at East Coast Railway’s (ECoR) Sambalpur railway station. The project is expected to take four and a half months (135 days) starting September 20,2024.

This project aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve train management at Sambalpur, a key hub in the railway network of ECoR. This will increase Sambalpur’s handling capacity and improve operational efficiency.

The yard remodelling 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.

Key Aspects of Sambalpur Yard Restructuring Works:

• 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 20^th September 2024 to 5^th February 2025 from both the directions.

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

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

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

5. 20813/20814 Puri-Jodhpur-Puri Express: From Puri from 25^th September 2024 to 5^th February 2025 and from Jodhpur from 21^st September 2024 to 1^st February 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 20th September 2024 and 5th February 2025.