Railway News: Eight local train services that were temporarily suspended due to major reconstruction work at Ghaziabad railway station are set to resume operations from Friday. This development comes as welcome news for daily commuters, especially working professionals and students who depend heavily on these short-distance rail services for their routine travel. The restoration marks an important step toward normalizing passenger movement after weeks of disruption caused by infrastructure upgrades.

Background of the Train Cancellations

Ghaziabad railway station is one of the busiest junctions in the region, handling thousands of passengers every day. Due to ongoing station redevelopment and safety-related construction work near the railway tracks, several train services had to be cancelled or rescheduled. Platform numbers were also changed frequently to accommodate construction activity and ensure passenger safety.

Initially, a total of sixteen local trains were cancelled on different dates. Most of these trains operate on high-demand routes connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and nearby regions. The temporary suspension was necessary to allow uninterrupted progress on reconstruction work, which aims to improve passenger facilities, station layout, and operational efficiency in the long term.

Resumption of Local Train Services

With the completion of a significant phase of construction work, railway authorities have now decided to restore eight of the cancelled train services. The resumption will ease daily travel challenges faced by office-goers, students, and small business owners who rely on affordable and frequent local trains.

These services play a crucial role in reducing road congestion and providing a cost-effective transport option for short-distance commuters. Their return is expected to significantly reduce overcrowding on alternative routes and modes of transport.

List of Trains That Were Previously Cancelled

The following local train services were cancelled between December 17 and December 26 due to station reconstruction work:

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  Train No. 64428 New Delhi to Ghaziabad

  
  


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  Train No. 64431 Ghaziabad to New Delhi

  
  


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  Train No. 64432 New Delhi to Ghaziabad

  
  


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  Train No. 64433 Ghaziabad to New Delhi

  
  


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  Train No. 64553 Moradabad to Ghaziabad

  
  


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  Train No. 64555 Ghaziabad to Meerut City

  
  


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  Train No. 64556 Meerut City to Ghaziabad

  
  


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  Train No. 64554 Ghaziabad to Moradabad

  
  

Passengers using these routes can now expect regular operations as per the revised schedule announced by the rail authorities.

Impact on Daily Passengers

The temporary suspension had forced many commuters to seek alternative travel options, often resulting in longer travel times and higher costs. Buses and private vehicles experienced increased pressure, especially during peak hours. The restoration of these local trains is expected to bring immediate relief and restore travel convenience for thousands of passengers.

Moreover, improved station infrastructure after reconstruction is likely to enhance safety, reduce delays, and provide a smoother travel experience in the future.

Nationwide Fare Revision for Long-Distance Trains

In a separate but significant update, Indian Railways has announced a nationwide fare increase for long-distance train journeys. This revised fare structure will also come into effect from Friday, December 26. Notably, this is the second fare hike within a span of six months, reflecting efforts to strengthen revenue generation.

The fare revision is expected to contribute approximately Rs 600 crore in additional revenue during the current financial year. The increase will apply to most long-distance trains across various categories, helping the national transporter manage operational costs and fund infrastructure development.

Services Exempted From Fare Hike

Despite the increase in long-distance fares, suburban train services will remain unaffected. Daily commuters using local and suburban trains will not face any additional financial burden. Furthermore, all types of season tickets, including suburban and non-suburban passes, will continue at existing prices.

This decision ensures that regular commuters, particularly those from middle- and lower-income groups, are protected from fare-related stress while maintaining affordability for daily travel.

Conclusion

The resumption of cancelled local trains combined with selective fare adjustments reflects a balanced approach by railway authorities. While infrastructure upgrades and revenue generation remain priorities, the needs of daily commuters have also been taken into account. As construction work progresses and services stabilize, passengers can look forward to improved facilities, better connectivity, and a more reliable rail travel experience.