Tatanagar to get Sleeper Vande Bharat

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:

• Enhanced Safety: Equipped with the ‘Kavach’ anti-collision system.

• Modern Coaches: Part of the 3,200 world-class sleeper coaches currently under production.

• 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.

• Investment: ₹2,905 Crore.

• 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:

• Mumbai-Howrah Mail: 8.5 hours late.

• Bilaspur-Tatanagar: 7 hours late.

• 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.