Railway authorities have reported a marked improvement in train operations across the Chakradharpur division following rising commuter anger over persistent delays and congestion on one of eastern India’s busiest rail corridors.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Aditya Choudhary was quoted in a Times of India report as saying:
“Punctuality rates, which previously slumped to 35 per cent, now range between 65 per cent and 75 per cent. Trains previously delayed by up to 120 minutes now face 15 to 20-minute delay.”
“Officers are monitoring each train to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth movement across the network,” Choudhary added.
The division had recently faced criticism from passengers who alleged that freight traffic was being given preference over passenger services, worsening delays across the section.
Public anger had intensified in recent weeks, including a protest led by Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy and his followers, who raised concerns over the repeated late running of trains and the inconvenience to passengers.
Choudhary rejected allegations that freight traffic was being prioritized, stating that 47 passenger trains currently operate on the section compared with 35 freight trains.
He added that once the dedicated freight corridor becomes operational, freight movement will shift away from the main lines, allowing passenger trains to run at speeds of up to 130 kmph.
A series of infrastructure projects intended to reduce congestion and improve punctuality in the long term.
The third line between Tatanagar and Adityapur is currently under construction, while work is progressing on the fourth line between Asanboni and Bagbera.
Additional expansion plans include a third line between Sini and Chaibasa, as well as between Gamaharia and Chandil, aimed at easing pressure on the heavily used triangle section.
Officials added that plans have also been finalized for the fifth and sixth lines between Sini and Rajkharsawan to create alternate paths for trains arriving from Jharsuguda and Chandil.
