The Chakradharpur railway division has started the process of replacing the panel for the third line between Adityapur Yard and Salgajhari. This technical upgrade aims to streamline the movement of freight trains and significantly reduce delays for passenger trains on the busy Howrah-Mumbai route. The railway authorities plan to conduct trials for this line in May 2026 to ensure smooth operations.
How will the third line benefit passengers and freight movement?
The primary objective of this project is to separate freight traffic from passenger train routes. Currently, freight and passenger trains often share the same tracks, which is a major cause of delays. By operationalizing the third line, the railway expects to provide a dedicated path for goods trains, thereby clearing the main lines for faster passenger travel. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has already completed the physical construction work, including the installation of traction and other operational components.
Key project updates and expected timeline
- The panel replacement work is currently in progress and the new panels are expected to be installed within two to three weeks.
- A final trial run is scheduled for May 2026 after getting the necessary line block approvals from the Railway Board.
- The project faced some delays earlier due to yard remodeling work at Adityapur, but technical processes are now being finalized.
- Tatanagar station has already designated line number seven specifically for freight train operations to manage heavy traffic.
- The Chakradharpur division recorded a massive freight loading of 154.97 million tonnes in the financial year 2025-26.