Jamshedpur Outfits Stage Day-Long Dharna Over Persistent Train Delays at Tatanagar Station
In a significant display of public discontent, several social and political outfits organized a day-long dharna in Jamshedpur on Tuesday to protest the chronic delays in the arrival of passenger trains at Tatanagar railway station. The demonstration, which saw participation from more than 12 organizations, was spearheaded by Jamshedpur (West) MLA Saryu Roy, who issued a stern warning to railway officials.
MLA Saryu Roy Issues Ultimatum Over Passenger Train Delays
"The people will halt the movement of goods trains if the issue of delayed arrival of passenger trains is not sorted out soon," declared JD(U) MLA Saryu Roy during the protest. He emphasized that the delayed running of trains on the Tatanagar-Chakradharpur section, particularly towards Tatanagar, has caused widespread anger among passengers. Roy stressed that the railway should prioritize passenger trains and ensure that unnecessary delays do not become routine.
To escalate the protest efforts, Roy announced the formation of a 21-member panel comprising members from various outfits. "We will meet the Railway minister and Railway Board chairman to find a solution to this problem," he stated, highlighting the group's intent to seek high-level intervention. Roy further claimed that if no visible improvement occurs in passenger train operations, people will be forced to halt goods trains as a last resort.
Railway Officials Respond with Assurances and Infrastructure Plans
In response to the agitation, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Chakradharpur railway division, Aditya Choudhary, met with the protesters and assured them that the problem will be resolved in the near future. He provided details on ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating the delays.
- Third Rail Line Project: Choudhary mentioned that work on laying the third rail line between Asanboni and Jharsuguda is in full swing. He assured that passenger train operations will improve significantly after the completion of this line.
- Proposed Loop Line: A loop line between Tatanagar and Chakradharpur stations is also in the proposal stage, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency.
- Dedicated Freight Corridor: Additionally, the 1,868-km-long dedicated freight corridor from Dankuni to Surat is set to permanently address the issue of passenger train halts by segregating freight and passenger traffic.
Choudhary's assurances aimed to placate the agitators, but the outfits remain vigilant, demanding immediate action to curb the persistent delays that have plagued commuters in the region.
