The Railway Board has officially greenlit a new passenger train service connecting Bhojudih and Bokaro Steel City, bringing a historic 50-year wait for regular rail connectivity at Chas Railway Station to an end. This significant development, officially approved on July 8, 2026, aims to bridge a major infrastructure gap for thousands of daily commuters in the region.
- New Service: Daily train operations between Bhojudih and Bokaro Steel City (excluding Sundays and Thursdays).
- Train Numbers: 58035 (Bhojudih–Bokaro Steel City) and 58036 (Bokaro Steel City–Bhojudih).
- Coach Composition: Each train will consist of 8 ICF coaches, including 6 general class and 2 SLR coaches.
- Key Halts: Shevbabuadih, Talgariya, Bandhdih, Chas, and Ispat Nagar.
Operational Details and Schedule
Following the approval, the South Eastern Railway has been tasked with launching the service, while the Adra Rail Division will oversee all maintenance requirements. According to Bokaro’s Area Rail Manager, Vineet Kumar, operational preparations are currently in full swing. Train 58035 is scheduled to depart Bhojudih at 8:15 AM, reaching Bokaro Steel City at 9:30 AM. Conversely, the return journey, Train 58036, will depart Bokaro Steel City at 6:15 PM and arrive at Bhojudih at 7:30 PM. While the approval is confirmed, the specific date for the inaugural run is yet to be announced by the authorities.
Impact on Local Commuters
This service is set to provide a major boost to the local economy and daily travel needs. By connecting areas like Chas, Talgariya, Bandhdih, and Chandankiyari directly to the Bokaro district headquarters, the train will offer a more affordable and time-efficient alternative to road transport. The decision comes after decades of advocacy from local social organizations and public representatives, including former MLAs Amar Kumar Bauri and Biranchi Narayan, who have thanked the Central Railway Ministry for addressing this long-standing public demand. The new route is expected to serve lakhs of students, office-goers, and business professionals who rely on this corridor daily.