Chandigarh: Rail passengers are likely to face considerable inconvenience over the next 36 days as the Railways has approved a prolonged block at Chandigarh Railway Station for reconstruction and infrastructure work on demand of Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA).The block, scheduled from Sept 10 to Oct 15, will affect train operations in phases, with 12 trains cancelled and several others either shifted to Ambala cantonment or Mohali for their departure or termination.Some trains will also be partially cancelled and short-terminated between Chandigarh and Ambala, while platform allocations for around 20 trains will be changed during the initial phase of the work.According to railway officials, the construction agency has received approval from the Ambala division for the block for the second time within a month. To minimise disruption to train operations, the 36-day block has been divided into three phases of 12 days each.Phase I: Sept 10 to Sept 21Phase II: Sept 22 to Oct 3Phase III: Oct 4 to Oct 15During the block, major reconstruction-related works will be undertaken at the station, including strengthening of pillars and roofing of the foot overbridge. RLDA has planed Erection and Launching of balance through roof and dismantling of the Girders of the existing FOB at Chandigarh (CDG) station, as part of the up gradation of the station being carried out by RLDA.With construction activity continuing for 36 days, passengers travelling between Sept 10 and Oct 15 are likely to experience changes in train schedules, boarding stations and platform arrangements. The Railways has advised passengers to verify the latest operational information before commencing their journey.12 trains cancelledAs a result of the construction activities and restrictions on train movement, 12 trains originating from Chandigarh and Kalka have been cancelled during the affected period.Besides cancellations, the Railways has made operational changes to several other trains. Some services will not originate or terminate at Chandigarh and will instead operate from Ambala and Mohali.Railway officials said the changes have been planned to facilitate construction while keeping train operations running from alternative stations wherever possible. Major trains cancelled are Amritsar-Chandigarh-Amritsar (14541-42), Chandigarh-Ferozepur-Chandigarh (14629-30) and other trains as Kalka-Ambala-Kalka, Kalka-Delhi-Kalka, DLPC-Kalka-DLPC.Six trains to operate from Ambala, eight from MohaliUnder the revised arrangements, six trains will be operated from Ambala, while eight trains will be operated from Mohali during the block.This means passengers who normally board these services from Chandigarh may have to travel to Ambala or Mohali railway station to catch their trains.Passengers whose journeys originate or terminate at Chandigarh have therefore been advised to carefully check their train’s originating station, termination point and scheduled departure time before leaving home.Platforms of around 20 trains to be changedTrain passengers will also have to deal with changes in platform allocations.During the first phase, from September 10 to September 21, the Railways will modify the platform arrangements to facilitate construction work as well as cleaning and washing of trains.The platforms of approximately 20 trains are expected to be changed during this period. Some trains currently handled from Platforms 1 and 2 will be shifted to other platforms.Passengers should therefore not rely solely on the platform information available in advance and should check the display boards and announcements at the station after arrival.Extra travel time advisedThe extensive changes are likely to create additional travel requirements for passengers, particularly those whose trains have been shifted to Mohali or Ambala.Passengers travelling during the block period have been advised to:Confirm the departure/arrival station of their train before starting their journeyCheck the revised platform number at Chandigarh Railway StationReach the station well in advance because of possible crowding and operational changesAllow additional time if their train has been shifted to Mohali or AmbalaCheck the latest train status and railway announcements before travelling
