Passengers in the Kolhan region are facing severe problems due to the constant delay of trains under the Chakradharpur Division. Around 8 to 10 trains run late every day, leaving commuters stranded at stations and outer signals for hours. This situation has led to widespread anger on social media and among local residents.
Why are trains running late in Chakradharpur Division?
Railway officials and local reports point to several reasons for these delays. Track maintenance, signaling system failures, and the theft of cables have hampered operations. Additionally, the movement of elephants on tracks and obstacles at level crossings have caused disruptions. Many passengers and local leaders, including MLA Saryu Rai, allege that freight trains are being given priority over passenger trains.
What are the major delays and planned protests?
Recent data shows extreme delays for several key trains. The Ispat Express was delayed by 13 hours 31 minutes, and the Howrah AC Duronto Express was late by 9 hours 22 minutes. Due to this, the Rail Yatri Sangharsh Samiti will start a signature campaign at Tatanagar station on April 26, 2026, to demand immediate solutions.
| Train/Route | Delay/Impact |
|---|---|
| Ispat Express | 13 hours 31 minutes late |
| Howrah AC Duronto | 9 hours 22 minutes late |
| Chaibasa-Chandil Section | 4 to 5 hours delay |
| Santragachi-Anand Vihar | 8 hours delay |
| Azad Hind Express | Approx 6 hours delay |
| Rourkela-Tatanagar Express | 5 to 7 hours delay |
What is the Railway Administration doing?
DRM Tarun Huria mentioned that a dedicated loop line for freight trains between Tatanagar and Chakradharpur is being planned to reduce congestion. The administration has also started 24/7 real-time monitoring of passenger trains. However, infrastructure upgrades and interlocking work at Tatanagar station are delayed and may continue to affect train timings until the end of May.