Over 60 trains altered by Delhi floods as Old Yamuna bridge shuts

Post by : Armust Desk

Heavy rains in Delhi during the first week of September brought the Yamuna River to dangerous levels, forcing railway authorities to suspend train services on the Old Yamuna Bridge. This sudden action was taken for safety reasons, as the swelling river made the bridge unsafe for use. The decision caused widespread disruption, with over sixty trains either cancelled, diverted, or cut short between Friday evening and midnight.

The closure of this crucial bridge showed once again how fragile Delhi’s railway lifelines can be during times of natural disaster. Passengers were left facing delays, confusion, and sudden changes in travel plans.

Why the Old Yamuna Bridge Was Closed

The Old Yamuna railway bridge is one of the busiest links for trains entering and leaving Delhi. Built in the colonial era, the bridge carries enormous traffic every day. However, with continuous rainfall and rising water levels, officials observed that the Yamuna had reached a danger mark. Running trains over the bridge in such conditions could risk serious accidents.

Railway engineers carried out inspections and decided to stop traffic on the bridge. This was not the first time the Yamuna had caused disruption, but the number of trains affected in just a few hours highlighted how dependent the city is on this structure.

Cancellation of Trains – Passengers Left Stranded

From 4 PM onwards on September 5, train services started facing cuts. By midnight, more than two dozen trains had been cancelled. These included long-distance trains such as the Shalimar Malani Express and local commuter services like MEMU and EMU trains.

Daily wage workers, students, and families waiting at New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Ghaziabad stations found themselves in difficult situations. With trains cancelled, many were forced to look for buses or auto-rickshaws. Some waited overnight, hoping for updates.

For passengers who depend on cheap daily trains between smaller towns and Delhi, the cancellation meant lost workdays and added travel expenses. A worker from Saharanpur shared, “I came to Delhi for labor work. My return train was cancelled, and I had no money left for a bus ticket. I spent the night waiting at the station.”

Rerouting of Major Trains

Not all services were stopped. Railway officials quickly created alternate plans to ensure some movement continued. Several long-distance trains, including the Brahmaputra Mail, Kaifiyaat Express, Padmavat Express, and Farakka Express, were diverted. Instead of using the Old Yamuna Bridge, these trains were rerouted through Sahibabad, Hazrat Nizamuddin, or Subzi Mandi stations.

For passengers, this meant longer travel times. Some trains reached their destination two to three hours late. Still, this diversion ensured that important trains connecting Delhi with the rest of India could at least reach passengers, even if delayed.

Shortened Routes for Local Services

For local travelers, short-origin and short-termination arrangements were made. For example, instead of running up to Old Delhi or New Delhi stations, several passenger trains started from Ghaziabad or Delhi Shahdara. Similarly, trains like the Delhi–Saharanpur Express began their journey at Delhi Shahdara instead of Old Delhi.

This confused at first, as many passengers who arrived at Old Delhi station were surprised to hear that their trains had been shifted to Shahdara. Announcements were made repeatedly across stations, but not everyone received the updates in time. Families with luggage found it very difficult to change stations at short notice.

Voices from the Stations

At Delhi Junction, chaos unfolded as passengers searched for information. Long queues formed at the inquiry counters. Railway staff tried their best to guide people, but with dozens of changes happening in just a few hours, the situation was overwhelming.

One college student traveling home to Moradabad said, “My train was cancelled, and when I asked about alternatives, I was told to take a diverted service through another station. I had never heard of that route. It was confusing and tiring.”

Another elderly passenger, traveling with his grandchildren, said, “We were waiting since evening. At first, we thought the train was delayed, but then we heard it was cancelled. I didn’t know how to explain this to the children. Finally, the railway staff guided us to another train.”

These stories captured the human side of the disruption—beyond numbers and cancellations, it was people struggling with uncertainty and fatigue.

Why Safety Came First

Even though the disruption caused anger and frustration, railway officials stood firm in their decision. They explained that no risk could be taken with human lives. The Old Yamuna Bridge has survived many floods before, but engineers confirmed that the force of water was too high this time. Stopping trains was the only safe choice.

Officials reminded the public that in past years, when trains were run during floods, there had been near accidents and damage to the tracks. This time, lessons from the past were applied. Safety of passengers, crew, and equipment remained the top priority.

Broader Lessons from the Flood

This incident once again highlights the need for modern infrastructure in Delhi. Many of the city’s bridges and tracks are decades old. With changing climate patterns, heavy rains and sudden floods are becoming more common. Unless new, stronger bridges are built, such disruptions may become a regular problem.

Urban planners and engineers argue that investments must be made to upgrade railway structures. Emergency response systems also need to be faster, with better ways to inform passengers about cancellations and diversions. In today’s digital age, not everyone has smartphones, so public announcements, posters, and station staff remain crucial.

Advice to Passengers

Railway authorities advised passengers to:

• Check train status regularly using official railway sources or the helpline number 139.

• Arrive at stations earlier, especially when weather conditions are bad.

• Be prepared for sudden changes during the rainy season.

• Listen to announcements carefully and follow the instructions of station staff.

This advice, though basic, became essential during the days of disruption.

A City Paused by Nature

Delhi, a city of over 30 million people, depends heavily on its railways. Every day, thousands of trains pass in and out, connecting the capital with the rest of the country. But the events of September showed how one natural force—the rising Yamuna—can bring such a giant system to a halt.

On the evening when the bridge was shut, life slowed down. Families returning from festivals, students heading back to hostels, daily laborers, and travelers with big dreams all had to wait. For them, the river was not just a natural sight, but a barrier between them and their destinations.

As water levels slowly go down, the railway is expected to reopen the bridge after full inspection. But the memory of this disruption will stay. Officials will need to plan stronger flood management systems, build modern bridges, and prepare for emergencies with more efficiency.

For passengers, the incident served as a reminder that nature always has the final word. Despite modern trains, technology, and planning, sometimes the only option is to pause, wait, and respect the river’s power.

The closure of the Old Yamuna Bridge due to heavy flooding led to the cancellation, diversion, and alteration of over sixty trains. The disruption affected thousands of passengers, causing delays, confusion, and hardship. Yet, the decision was necessary to ensure safety. The event revealed how vulnerable Delhi’s railway system remains to extreme weather and highlighted the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and better emergency planning.

Delhi flood, Old Yamuna bridge, train cancellations, railway diversion