South Eastern Railway: New demands for Kolhan region rail development and passenger facilities
The 106th Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) meeting of the South Eastern Railway took place on June 17, 2026, at Hotel Taj Bengal in Kolkata. General Manager Anil Kumar Jain and MP Bidyut Baran Mahato presided over the session. The discussion focused mainly on improving rail infrastructure and passenger services in the Kolhan region.
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What are the key demands for the Kolhan region?
Manoj Kumar Chaudhary, a committee member and President of Saraikela Nagar Panchayat, highlighted that the Kolhan region generates huge revenue for the railways but lacks basic facilities. He requested a feasibility survey to connect Saraikela district headquarters to the rail network and asked for new train services from Chaibasa to Ranchi, Kolkata, and Puri. He also suggested a special development package for tribal and PESA areas.
What updates did MP Bidyut Baran Mahato provide?
MP Bidyut Baran Mahato raised concerns about train punctuality in the Chakradharpur division and requested the restart of local trains stopped during COVID-19. He also discussed the progress of several infrastructure projects in the region.
| Project | Status/Update |
|---|---|
| Bariigoda and Govindpur ROB | Tenders issued on May 12 |
| Salgajhuri underpass | Expected completion by November |
| Tatanagar Station | Dropping line facility at second entry gate |
| Makadampur ROB | Construction status reviewed |
| Kandra-Namkum line | Request to initiate project |
What was the railway administration’s clarification?
During the meeting, the Railway Administration cleared the air regarding train operations at Tatanagar. They officially stated that there is no proposal to shift any trains currently operating from Tatanagar to Adityapur. Additionally, the focus remains on improving the network of MEMU and passenger trains across the Kolhan area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the proposed new train routes from Chaibasa?
Manoj Kumar Chaudhary demanded new rail services connecting Chaibasa to Ranchi, Kolkata, and Puri to improve connectivity for passengers.
Is there any plan to move trains from Tatanagar to Adityapur?
No, the Railway Administration has clarified that there is currently no proposal to relocate any trains from Tatanagar to Adityapur.