New Delhi / Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur Member of Parliament, Bidyut Baran Mahato, met with Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhavan today to address the critical issue of train delays and worsening congestion within the Chakradharpur (CKP) Railway Division.
During the high-level meeting, the MP presented factual data highlighting how heavy freight traffic consistently cripples passenger train schedules.
The Congestion Crisis: By the Numbers
MP Mahato pointed out a stark imbalance in track usage within the division:
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Freight Dominance: Approximately 249 goods trains operate daily in the division, compared to only 25–30 passenger trains.
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Industrial Load: Major industries contribute heavily to this traffic, with 50–60 trains from Tata Steel, 15–20 from Rungta, and 10–15 from Nuvoco Vistas daily.
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Route Pressure: Massive iron ore shipments from Gua, Barbil, and Joda headed toward Asansol, Durgapur, and Burnpur pass through the high-pressure Rajkharsawan–Sini–Kandra–Chandil route, leaving little room for passenger movement.
Strategic Demands for Relief
To resolve these bottlenecks, the MP submitted a formal list of infrastructure demands:
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The Tata Bypass: Construct a new rail line via Nimdih–Patamda–Katin Bandhuan to connect with the proposed Purulia-Jhargram line. This would allow Kharagpur-bound freight trains to bypass Tatanagar entirely.
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Infrastructure Expansion: Build additional loop lines at Birbans, Sini, Rajkharsawan, Barabamboo, Chirugoda, and Kokpara stations.
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Tatanagar Upgrade: Increase the number of platforms at Tatanagar Junction to 10.
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Speedy Commissioning: Fast-track the commissioning of the Adityapur–Salgajhari third line.
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Operating Formula: Implement an immediate “Balanced Ratio” policy—specifically, prioritizing two passenger trains for every one freight train during peak hours.
New Connectivity and Local Relief
Beyond infrastructure, Shri Mahato urged the Minister to introduce new direct train services from Tatanagar to Jaipur, Bengaluru (via Keonjhar), and Mumbai.
In a significant win for local residents, the MP confirmed that the Ministry has approved the construction of the Makdampur Rail Overbridge (ROB) or Underbridge, which will provide major relief for daily commuters.
The Result: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided a positive assurance on all points raised. Shri Mahato expressed his gratitude to the Minister on behalf of the people of Jamshedpur for his commitment to improving the region’s rail network.
