Tatanagar-Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh Express Cancellation Sparks Protest
A delegation in Jamshedpur protests the winter cancellation of the Tatanagar-Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh Express, warning of rail roko protests.
The announcement regarding the Tatanagar-Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh Express cancellation has triggered significant unrest in Jamshedpur. A high-level delegation from the Central Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (CGPC), led by Pradhan Bhagwan Singh, has formally submitted a memorandum to Rajya Sabha MP Kheru Mahto to demand the immediate reversal of this decision.
The Fog Factor and Suspension Schedule
Citing deteriorating fog conditions during the winter months, the South Eastern Railway has ordered the suspension of the twice-weekly service (Train numbers 18103-18104). The specific dates for the disruption are as follows:
- Tatanagar to Amritsar (18103): Cancelled from December 2, 2026, to February 28, 2027.
- Amritsar to Tatanagar (18104): Suspended from December 4, 2026, to February 26, 2027.
Five Years of Winter Disruptions
The CGPC has expressed deep frustration, noting that this is the fifth consecutive year that this vital rail link has faced such prolonged winter cancellations. CGPC Chairman Sardar Shailendra Singh highlighted that the move will cause immense hardship for passengers traveling across multiple states who rely on this specific route.
"This decision will cause significant hardship for passengers across multiple states," emphasized Sardar Shailendra Singh.
Demands and Potential Agitations
The community is not merely asking for a total reversal but has also proposed practical alternatives to maintain connectivity. During previous meetings with railway officials, the committee suggested a revised schedule where the train runs four days a week instead of being completely suspended during the fog season.
The tension has been escalating through several stages of protest:
- October 5, 2026: An emergency meeting in Sakchi where the committee warned of potential 'rail roko' (track blockade) protests.
- October 7, 2026: A delegation met with Railway AGM Manish Jain at Tatanagar station to demand the reinstatement of the service.
Current Status: Awaiting Railway Board Decision
There is a glimmer of hope for the affected commuters. Following a visit by the Chakradharpur DRM to a local gurudwara on October 8, 2026, it was confirmed that a formal proposal to revoke the cancellation for both the Jallianwala Bagh Express and the Santragachi-Anand Vihar Express has been forwarded to the Railway Board. However, the CGPC and the local Sikh community continue to exert intense political pressure to ensure the service remains operational throughout the winter.