The demand to upgrade the Dhanbad Railway Division into a separate railway zone was discussed during a divisional parliamentary committee meeting. The meeting took place on July 8, 2026, at the DRM office in Dhanbad under the chairmanship of Palamu MP VD Ram. Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahato strongly advocated for this change to boost regional development.
Why is there a demand for a separate Dhanbad Railway Zone?
MP Dhullu Mahato stated that granting zone status to Dhanbad would accelerate the growth of the entire coal belt. Currently, the division operates under a complex administrative structure involving East Central Railway, Eastern Railway, and South Eastern Railway. This overlap often leads to administrative delays in development projects. A separate zone would streamline decision-making and improve efficiency.
What is the financial standing of Dhanbad Division?
General Manager of East Central Railway, Chhatrasal Singh, highlighted the division’s exceptional performance. Dhanbad is currently a top performer in the Indian Railways network. The key achievements are listed below:
- Revenue: Ranked first among all railway divisions in India for income generation.
- Freight Loading: Holds the top position in the country for goods loading, specifically coal.
- Economic Impact: Serves as the primary hub for coal transportation for the nation.
What was the official response from the Railway Ministry?
General Manager Chhatrasal Singh assured the representatives that the suggestions provided by the MPs would be considered positively. He mentioned that policy-related matters and the demand for a new zone will be forwarded to the Railway Board for further evaluation and decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Dhanbad Division considered for a separate zone?
Dhanbad is the top-ranking division in Indian Railways for revenue and freight loading, making it a strong candidate for independent zone status.
Who raised the demand in the recent meeting?
Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahato raised the demand during the parliamentary committee meeting held on July 8, 2026.