Railway Board approves experimental halts for major express trains in Jharkhand
Train passengers travelling through Jharkhand will soon experience better connectivity as the Railway Board has officially approved experimental halts for key superfast and express trains at Ghatshila and Manoharapur stations. This decision comes after continuous efforts and persistent advocacy by Jamshedpur Member of Parliament Bidyut Baran Mahato. The official directive confirming these new stops was issued by the Railway Board on August 27, 2026, and announced publicly on August 28, 2026. These additions are designed to make long-distance travel much more convenient for local residents without requiring them to travel to major junctions for boarding.
Key details of the newly approved train halts include:
- 12859/12860 Mumbai-Howrah Gitanjali Express will now stop at Ghatshila station.
- 12129/12130 Pune-Howrah Azad Hind Express has been granted an experimental halt at Ghatshila station.
- 18189/18190 Tata-Ernakulam Express will now provide an experimental halt at Manoharapur station.
Better Connectivity for Local Passengers
The approval of these new stops is the direct result of extensive discussions held by MP Mahato with the Union Railway Minister, top Railway Board officials, the General Manager of South Eastern Railway, and the Divisional Railway Manager. For years, commuters from regions surrounding Ghatshila faced difficulties catching major long-distance trains towards important metropolitan hubs.
These newly introduced halts are expected to provide massive relief to thousands of daily commuters and long-distance travellers heading towards Kolkata and Pune. The benefits will extend directly to residents living in Ghatshila, Musabani, Jadugoda, Narwa, Galudih, Dumaria, and other adjoining areas. Passengers can now save valuable time and travel expenses by boarding these premier trains closer to their homes.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Development
In addition to the revised train schedules, Ghatshila station is witnessing a massive transformation. The station is currently undergoing rapid development and modernization as a proud part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This infrastructure upgrade is another key project actively spearheaded by MP Mahato to significantly enhance passenger amenities, modern waiting areas, and overall travel experience at the station.