Raipur/Korba – Rail passengers traveling between
Raipur and Korba are facing major inconveniences due to a lack of passenger
train services during a crucial 10-hour stretch of the day. For nearly two and
a half years, there has been no train operating between Raipur/Bilaspur and
Korba between the morning and evening hours, forcing commuters to rely on buses
or private vehicles.
The gap in service stems from changes implemented during and
after the COVID-19 pandemic. While some trains were reintroduced post-lockdown,
several others were discontinued again, citing reasons like rail line
maintenance and operational adjustments. This has left passengers struggling to
plan convenient travel throughout the day.
Currently, the only early train from Raipur to Korba is the Link
Express, which departs at 7:20 AM. After this, passengers have to
wait for nearly 10 hours until the Hasdeo Express, which departs
Raipur at 6:00 PM, becomes available.
Discontinued Services Add to Passenger Woes
Previously, a MEMU local train used to operate
between Raipur and Korba, departing at 1:50 PM. However, this service
was discontinued after its last run on 29 January 2023 and has not been
restored since. Adding to the inconvenience, the Korba-Raipur MEMU,
which used to leave Korba at 6:50 AM and arrive in Raipur by 11:25 AM,
has also been canceled. This same train used to make the return journey from
Raipur to Korba in the afternoon.
Similar Disruptions on Bilaspur–Korba Route
The situation is equally challenging for passengers
traveling from Bilaspur to Korba. With the extension of the Shivnath
Express service to Korba, the midday passenger train on this route
was canceled. As a result, there is currently no passenger train service for
nearly nine hours during the day between Bilaspur and Korba.
Although the Shivnath Express extension has brought some
benefits, the cancellation of the daytime passenger train has created new
issues for regular commuters.
Previously, the Raipur-Korba MEMU used to arrive at Bilaspur
Junction by 5:00 PM, and depart again at 5:10 PM, reaching Korba by 7:05
PM. With its cancellation, connectivity and travel flexibility have
suffered significantly.