Residents and commuters in Anand, Godhra, and surrounding districts should prepare for train service disruptions on June 5, 2025, due to critical engineering work in the Anand-Godhra railway section under Western Railway. This maintenance is essential for ensuring continued safety and operational reliability on one of Gujarat’s busy rail corridors. Affected passengers must plan alternative travel arrangements as several MEMU trains will be cancelled or partially truncated for the day.
Project Details: Re-girdering of Bridge Between Timba Road and Sewaliya Stations
The engineering work involves the re-girdering of a railway bridge located between Timba Road and Sewaliya stations on the Anand-Godhra section. According to Western Railway officials, the project scope includes removing and replacing old girders to strengthen the bridge structure, thereby enhancing safety for trains passing this section. The work is part of a broader ₹4.5 crore infrastructure upgrade initiative scheduled for completion by September 2025.
The re-girdering is being carried out by the Western Railway’s engineering department in collaboration with the Gujarat State Construction Corporation Limited (GSCCL). The operation requires a complete block of the track for 24 hours on June 5, during which time no trains can cross the bridge safely.
Areas and Districts Covered by the Service Disruption
The engineering block impacts train services primarily between Anand and Godhra stations, affecting the districts of Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, and parts of Vadodara division. Key stations affected include Timba Road, Sewaliya, Dakor, and Godhra.
Specifically, MEMU trains 69135 (Anand to Dakor) and 69136 (Dakor to Anand) will be fully cancelled for June 5. Additionally, train number 69190 (Dahod to Anand) will operate only between Dahod and Godhra, with the Godhra to Anand segment suspended for the day. Passengers traveling toward Anand from stations beyond Godhra need to seek alternative transport.
How This Engineering Work Benefits Gujarat Residents
While the disruption is inconvenient, the re-girdering project will significantly improve rail safety and service reliability on the Anand-Godhra route, which is a vital commuter and goods corridor in central Gujarat. The bridge upgrade reduces the risk of structural failures and allows for higher train speeds once work is completed.
Enhanced infrastructure will support future railway expansions and new train services planned in the region, such as those recently launched in Bhavnagar district, as reported by news.gujarat.in. This aligns with Western Railway’s long-term vision to modernize the Ahmedabad division’s transit network and improve punctuality, as outlined in their 2025 infrastructure roadmap.
Current Status and Next Milestones for the Bridge Project
As of late May 2025, preparatory work including material mobilization and site clearance has been completed. The full engineering block commences on June 5, during which the old girders will be dismantled and replaced with new ones. The work is expected to be completed within 24 hours to minimize inconvenience.
Following the June 5 work, Western Railway will conduct safety inspections and load testing before resuming full train operations. Additional minor maintenance activities on adjoining track sections will continue through August 2025. The entire project, costing approximately ₹4.5 crore, is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2025.
Background: Why the Re-girdering Was Necessary
The bridge between Timba Road and Sewaliya stations was constructed over 60 years ago and has been subject to wear due to heavy usage and aging infrastructure. Regular inspections by Western Railway engineers identified metal fatigue and structural weakening in the girders, posing a safety risk if left unaddressed.
Western Railway’s engineering department prioritized this re-girdering to prevent any potential accidents or extended service disruptions in the future. This proactive infrastructure maintenance aligns with similar projects elsewhere in Gujarat, such as recent track upgrades causing temporary changes in Ahmedabad division train services (news.gujarat.in).
How Passengers Can Stay Informed and Adjust Travel Plans
- Check the official Western Railway website (https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in) regularly for real-time updates on train services affected by the engineering block.
- Contact the Anand and Godhra railway stations’ inquiry counters directly for the latest information on train cancellations and alternative arrangements.
- Consider alternative transport options such as state-run buses or private taxis for travel between Godhra and Anand on June 5.
- Book tickets for unaffected trains in advance to secure seats, especially given ongoing high demand due to festival travel seasons like Rakshabandhan (news.gujarat.in).
- Plan extra travel time and avoid last-minute rushes to stations in Anand, Dakor, and Godhra districts on the day of the engineering work.
Western Railway appreciates passenger cooperation and assures commuters that these temporary inconveniences are necessary to maintain long-term safety and service standards. For further assistance, passengers can visit the Anand Railway Station office or contact Western Railway’s customer care helpline at 1800-425-1424.