Residents in Garhwa demand rail line extension to Chopan

Local residents and intellectuals in Kharaundhi, Garhwa, have formed a dedicated committee to demand the extension of the railway line from Meral to Bhavnathpur, with service connectivity extending to Chopan. The committee has formally resolved to continue its agitation until these rail infrastructure demands are addressed. This grassroot initiative aims to transform local transit, boost regional development, and connect underserved border areas. Here are the key highlights of the ongoing campaign: 1. Formation of a dedicated committee by local residents and intellectuals in Kharaundhi, Garhwa. 2. Official meetings held on September 14, 15, and 16, 2026, to strategize the agitation. 3. Appointment of Prem Kumar Chaube as President and Chandan Thakur as Vice President. 4. Plans for a major signature campaign and submission of a memorandum to MP Vishnu Dayal Ram. 5. Proposed rail link targeting a population of approximately five lakh people across Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. 6. Focus on reviving the dormant 35-kilometer track between Meral and Bhavnathpur built in 1966. 2Campaign Background and Leadership2 This movement follows a series of organizing efforts by the Meral-Bhavnathpur-Chopan Rail Chalao Sangharsh Samiti. On September 16, 2026, the committee met in Bhavnathpur to outline the regional benefits for trade, education, health, and employment, selecting Prem Kumar Chaube as President and Chandan Thakur, a Bhavnathpur North Panchayat Committee member, as Vice President. Previous meetings were held on September 14 and 15, 2026, including a session in Bardihia chaired by Ratnesh Gupta, where members planned a signature campaign and the submission of a formal memorandum to Member of Parliament Vishnu Dayal Ram. 2Reviving Dormant Infrastructure2 The proposed rail link is expected to serve approximately five lakh people living in border regions across Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The existing 35-kilometer track between Meral and Bhavnathpur was originally constructed in 1966 to support mining operations but has remained largely dormant for the past decade following a decline in extraction activities. Current leaders of the movement, including committee convener Satish Yadav and secretary Satyendra Paswan—who also serves as the Deputy Chief of Bardihia block—continue to engage with local stakeholders and railway officials to revive the route for passenger transport.