Two special trains running between Jharkhand and Bihar have been cancelled with effect from Monday, July 13, in view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

"Based on the request made by the Jharkhand government, it has been decided to partially cancel 02365 / 02366 Ranchi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Special and complete cancellation of 08183/ 08184 Tata-Danapur Express Special with effect from July 13 till further advice. The Ranchi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Special shall run only between Patna and Gaya," stated a circular issued by the Railway Board.

There has been a spurt in cases of Covid-19 in neighbouring Bihar. On Friday, as many as 352 positive cases were reported from various districts of Bihar taking the total count to 14,330.

Jharkhand has so far reported 3,362 Covid-19 cases. Figure shows that East Singhbhum district tops with 625 cases, while capital Ranchi has reported 329 cases.

The railways decided to run 100 pairs of special trains from June 1 in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. Both daily trains, the Ranchi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Special and Tata-Danapur Express, were introduced from June 1.

Chhotanagpur Passenger Association has welcomed the decision to cancel the trains. "The Railway Board has taken the right decision by cancelling Bihar-bound trains. It will help check the transmission of the coronavirus, " said Arun Tiwari, general secretary of the association.