Jamshedpur: The Railway Ministry has announced a significant step toward modernizing the railway network under the Chakradharpur Division by issuing an e-tender for an ambitious project valued at Rs 742.74 crore. The project focuses on two key areas: developing Sini and Kandra stations as model stations and laying the third and fourth railway lines between them. The bidding process for this extensive work begins on November 13th, with a targeted completion deadline of 24 months.
This massive undertaking will radically change the railway network in the Chakradharpur Division. It includes everything from yard remodeling at both Sini and Kandra stations to laying the new tracks, removing old structures and incorporating new technological requirements. The project will encompass the construction of new station buildings, elevated platforms, foot overbridges, modern waiting rooms, drainage systems, approach roads, cable routes and landscaping.
The expansion to four lines on the Sini-Kandra section is crucial, as the current two lines often cause trains to stop. The new third and fourth lines will provide dedicated tracks for passenger and freight trains, significantly enhancing speed and operational efficiency. This capacity expansion will not only improve average train speed and punctuality but will also provide a new impetus to trade and industrial development by accelerating the transportation of raw materials and finished products. Passengers will also benefit from world-class facilities like modern waiting rooms, digital display boards, clean drinking water and energy-efficient lighting for a safe and smooth travel experience.
Tatanagar Station to get new multi-purpose stalls
In a separate move to boost passenger convenience at Tatanagar Railway Station, the Chakradharpur Division has initiated the process to open two new Multi-Purpose Stalls (MPS). An online auction for these stalls will be held on November 22nd. According to the auction list, one stall will be located on platform number one and the second on platforms number four and five. Each stall will measure 10 feet long and 6 feet wide. Successful bidders will receive a five-year license to operate these stalls, ensuring passengers can easily access essential items without leaving the station premises.
Railway issues height warning for road users at level crossings
The Railways has issued a special warning to all road users and freight transporters concerning safety at level crossings. Height gauges have been installed at all level crossings on this section, with a maximum height of 4.78 meters above road level. This measure is strictly to prevent vehicles or their loads from accidentally coming into contact with high-tension power lines. The power lines at level crossings must be maintained at a minimum height of 5.5 meters above the rail level. Drivers are urged to ensure that the height of their vehicles or cargo does not exceed 4.78 meters under any circumstances to avoid hazardous contact.
Passenger woes mount as express trains face severe delays on Chakradharpur-Tatanagar route
Passengers traveling between Chakradharpur and Tatanagar continue to face severe delays, with trains taking over four hours to cover the 63 km stretch that usually takes express trains just an hour. Despite repeated complaints on social media and in station records, the situation remains unchanged. Railway passengers have accused the authorities of prioritizing freight traffic over maintaining the punctuality of passenger services.
The problem has extended to other popular trains such as the Steel Express and Jan Shatabdi Express, both once known for their punctuality. According to Aditya Chaudhary, Public Relations Officer of the Chakradharpur Railway Division, the delays are primarily due to blockades for line repair works, not because of freight traffic.
However, passengers and members of the Users Association dispute this claim. They allege that incorrect timing data is being uploaded to the NTES app to conceal the delays. The matter has been raised in the South Eastern Railway Advisory Committee meeting and brought to the notice of the Railway Minister and Railway Board Chairman. Despite multiple complaints, train punctuality on the Howrah-Mumbai route remains poor, keeping the Chakradharpur division among the lowest-ranked in the national punctuality survey.
Ramps, lifts to be installed at nine stations in Chakradharpur Division
Passengers at smaller stations under the Chakradharpur Railway Division will soon find it easier to move between platforms without using stairs. The South Eastern Railway Zone has set a target to equip all stations with lifts or ramps by 2026. As part of this initiative, nine stations in the Chakradharpur Division have been selected for the installation of these facilities to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
A survey is currently being conducted across stations in Kolhan and Odisha to plan the construction. Based on the survey findings, an agency will be appointed to begin work. Initially, 21 lifts were proposed for nine stations, but the number has now been increased to 43 to improve accessibility. The Railways has already completed similar installations at Rajkharsawan, Manoharpur and Barbil stations. (w/nkm)
MPs renew demand for train stoppages at Ghatshila, Galudih and Rakhamines
Jamshedpur, November 8 -- Members of Parliament from Kolhan have once again raised the demand for stoppages of express trains at smaller stations under the Chakradharpur Railway Division. Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato and Chaibasa MP Joba Majhi urged the South Eastern Railway Zone to ensure halts for major trains at stations such as Ghatshila, Galudih, Rakhamines, Chakulia, Manoharpur, Goilkera, Sonuva, Pauseta, Kharsawan and Kandra.
During a recent meeting of the Railway Advisory Committee, General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra informed that a proposal regarding these stoppages has been forwarded to the Railway Board. However, no final decision has yet been made. "A proposal has been given to the railways regarding the demand for stoppages of some trains at Ghatshila, Dhalbhumgarh and Rakhamines, but no decision has been taken yet. I will meet the Railway Minister and make a fresh request," said MP Bidyut Baran Mahato.
Chaibasa MP Joba Majhi also stated, "A letter has been sent to the railways regarding stoppage of passenger trains at Sonua, Manoharpur and Goilkera in my parliamentary constituency."
Senior DCM of Chakradharpur Division, Aditya Kumar Chaudhary, confirmed, "A decision in this matter is possible only from the Railway Board. A proposal has been made at the zonal level and sent to the board."
Proposals for stoppages have been submitted three times -- in February, July and October 2025. The MPs have specifically demanded halts for the Samaleswari Weekly, Howrah-Jagdalpur Express and Howrah-Kantabanji Ispat Express at Ghatshila and Galudih stations.
Model station claims fall flat as passengers struggle at Tatanagar
Despite being developed as a model station, Tatanagar Railway Station continues to face serious operational and passenger convenience issues. The station, one of the busiest in the Chakradharpur Division, handles over 42,000 passengers and 51 mail and express trains daily. However, malfunctioning ticket vending machines and broken luggage scanners have left passengers frustrated.
Of the nine automatic ticket vending machines installed on the station premises, three are currently out of order. Two of the seven machines at the First Entry Gate and one of the four machines near the Burmamines Entry Gate are non-functional. Passengers also complain about the frequent absence of vendors at the remaining machines, making it difficult for those unfamiliar with the system to purchase tickets. "Most of the time, vendors are absent. Passengers who don't know how to operate the machines are left stranded," said Dr. Arun Tiwari, General Secretary of the Chhotanagpur Passenger Association.
The luggage scanner machines at the main entrance have also been out of order for nearly two months, raising security concerns. In addition, passengers pointed out the absence of digital display boards near the main gate ticket counters, which prevents them from receiving timely information about trains and platforms.
Passengers have demanded immediate repair of the ticket vending and luggage scanning machines, along with strict adherence to vendor duty schedules. Responding to the complaints, Divisional Railway Manager (Chakradharpur) Tarun Huria stated, "Instructions have been given to repair malfunctioning luggage scanner machines. If the machines haven't been repaired, we will inquire about it. Vendors will also be instructed to remain at the ticket vending machines."
Until these issues are addressed, passengers say, the model station tag will remain merely a claim rather than a reality.