New Coaching Depot to Enable 160 KMPH Travel
Jamshedpur: Tatanagar Station is set to join the elite network of Sleeper Vande Bharat Express services. Tarun Huria, DRM of Chakradharpur Railway Division, has signaled that the high-speed trains will begin operations as soon as the state-of-the-art coaching depot at Tatanagar is complete.
High-Speed Comfort at 160 KMPH
Unlike the existing Chair Car models serving Patna and Berhampur, the new Sleeper Vande Bharat will cater to long-distance travelers. Designed to run at a top speed of 160 km/h, these trains feature:
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Enhanced Safety: Equipped with the ‘Kavach’ anti-collision system.
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Modern Coaches: Part of the 3,200 world-class sleeper coaches currently under production.
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Direct Comfort: Ideal for passengers traveling 500–600 km, eliminating the need for long daytime sitting.
While the official route remains unconfirmed, insiders suggest the railway may link Tatanagar to Banaras or Bilaspur.
₹2,905 Crore Project to Solve Delays
To end the chronic late running of trains on the Tatanagar-Howrah route, the railway has approved a 111 km fourth line between Kharagpur and Santragachi.
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Investment: ₹2,905 Crore.
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Benefit: Trains will no longer wait at “outer” signals, ensuring a smooth path for both passenger services and freight trains arriving from Dankuni.
Passengers Vent Frustration Over Ongoing Delays
Despite these future upgrades, current rail travel remains a struggle. On Tuesday, several key trains reported massive delays:
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Mumbai-Howrah Mail: 8.5 hours late.
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Bilaspur-Tatanagar: 7 hours late.
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Gitanjali Express: 4.5 hours late.
Angry passengers have taken to social media to protest the prioritization of freight trains over passenger services, specifically criticizing the practice of halting express trains at outer stations.
