Trains to Run Late on Tatanagar Route Amid Pending NI Work

Jamshedpur: A major infrastructure upgrade at Tatanagar Railway Station is set to reshape rail traffic in the region, but not before testing the patience of thousands of daily passengers. The proposed Interlocking and Non-Interlocking (NI) work, critical for modernising operations, is yet to begin due to technical hurdles, with officials now eyeing the end of May as a tentative start.

Until then, train delays are expected to persist—and possibly worsen—on one of the busiest stretches of the Howrah-Mumbai route. The section between Adityapur and Salgajhari currently operates on just two lines—‘Up’ and ‘Down’—handling an overwhelming mix of freight and passenger trains. The heavy congestion has already been pushing schedules off track, leaving commuters frustrated.

The upcoming project aims to significantly ease this burden. Plans include the construction of four new platforms at Tatanagar and the development of a crucial loop line that will allow trains to bypass the station, directly connecting Adityapur to Salgajhari. This bypass is expected to decongest the main corridor and improve punctuality in the long run.

However, the road to execution is far from smooth. A detailed proposal has already been submitted to the Commissioner of Railway Safety, which has returned it with multiple observations. These remarks are currently under review at the Chakradharpur railway division, delaying further progress.

Before the actual NI work begins, a Final Location Survey (FLS) must be completed—another crucial step that will determine the exact layout and execution plan. Railway officials are racing against time, aiming to wrap up preliminary processes and begin work before the monsoon sets in.

“ The biggest operational challenge lies in freight movement. The Adityapur–Salgajhari stretch is a lifeline for cargo trains, and during NI work, the two existing lines will be shut down alternately. This phased shutdown is expected to severely impact freight schedules, with effects on industrial supply chains in the region,” said an official.

While the long-term benefits promise smoother operations and increased capacity, the immediate future points to continued delays and operational strain. For now, passengers and industries alike must navigate a period of uncertainty as the groundwork for a more efficient railway network slowly takes shape.