Dozens of local and express trains, which operate from Howrah division and connect several south Bengal districts such as Birbhum, Purulia and Burdwan, are cancelled from Sunday till at least February 4 for maintenance work at various places and the demolition of an old railway overbridge at Burdwan station.

Sources said that among the important trains, Santiniketan Express, which connects Santiniketan with Howrah, and is considered the prime communication to the varsity town, will remain cancelled till February 4.

Maa Tara Express and Hool Express will also be cancelled, as will at least two dozen local trains both on the main and chord-line section of the Howrah-Burdwan.

A few others will be diverted through alternative routes. The services of at least six trains will be truncated.

“Multiple maintenance work is on in the division. A set of express trains have been cancelled because of the proposed demolition of the old overbridge at Burdwan station. The demolition is urgent as the structure is dilapidated,” said a railway official.

Maintenance work will occur between Somrabazar and Behula stations under Bandel-Katwa section and trains will not run on the route for 13 hours on Sunday.