KOLKATA / JAMSHEDPUR: The South Eastern Railway (SER) has unveiled a detailed strategy to tackle persistent train delays at Tatanagar railway station, following concerns raised by Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato. In a letter dated January 12, 2026, General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra outlined the causes and solutions to restore timely train operations.
Infrastructure and Wildlife Challenges
Ongoing development work and speed restrictions due to “Elephant Caution Orders” on the Kandra-Birrajpur-Gamharia-Adityapur section have significantly slowed train movement. These measures, though essential for safety, have added to operational delays in the busy Chakradharpur Division.
Criminal Interference Impact
The GM highlighted a major incident on January 9, 2026, when thieves broke into a signal cabin in the Sini-Mahali Marup section to steal cables. This led to a total signal failure from 1:50 AM to 8:30 AM, disrupting the schedules of 22 long-distance trains and demonstrating the vulnerability of critical railway infrastructure.
Weather and Operational Hurdles
Dense winter fog and frequent Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) incidents have further slowed trains, forcing pilots to reduce speeds for safety. Operational adjustments are being made to cope with these unpredictable factors.
Short-Term Measures: Quick Fixes
To address delays immediately, SER plans to:
- Use engines at both ends of the South Bihar Express to avoid time-consuming reversals at Tatanagar.
- Monitor train movements more closely and rationalize freight engine deployment.
- Introduce limited halts at Sini station to streamline traffic flow.
Mid-Term Solutions: Technology and Yard Upgrades
Within the next six months, the railway will:
- Revise operations at Sini Yard to reduce train detention on the third line.
- Deploy AI-enabled thermal cameras to monitor elephant movements and minimize the duration of speed restrictions without compromising safety.
Long-Term Infrastructure Expansion
For sustainable improvements, SER has proposed:
- Constructing four additional platforms at Tatanagar Yard.
- Building Rail-Over-Rail (RoR) bridges at Sini Yard, Kandra, and Gamharia to eliminate surface crossing delays.
- Developing multiple lines between Sini and Rajkharswan (16 km) and upgrading Govindpur Passenger Halt into a full crossing station.
