Manoharpur gets rail boost as Ernakulam Express halt begins
PINAKI MAJUMDAR JAMSHEDPUR, September 5: Manoharpur on Saturday marked a significant improvement in rail connectivity with the commencement of a scheduled halt…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
JAMSHEDPUR, September 5: Manoharpur on Saturday marked a significant improvement in rail connectivity with the commencement of a scheduled halt for the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express at Manoharpur railway station, fulfilling a long-standing demand of local residents.
The first scheduled halt was greeted with celebrations at the station, where a large number of residents, railway enthusiasts and public representatives gathered to welcome the train. The train received a traditional welcome with drums and music as it arrived at Manoharpur.
At a special programme organised at the station, MP Joba Majhi, MLA Jagat Majhi, a representative of Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Verma, BJP leader JB Tubid and Chakradharpur railway division DRM Tarun Huria, along with other public representatives and senior railway officials, welcomed the train.
Joba Majhi and Jagat Majhi, accompanied by other dignitaries, later waved the green flag to mark the train’s departure from Manoharpur.
Addressing the gathering, Joba Majhi described the new halt as an important achievement for Manoharpur and neighbouring areas. She said the facility was the result of a sustained demand from local residents.
She also assured people that efforts would continue to improve passenger amenities and expand rail services wherever required across the Singhbhum parliamentary constituency.
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MP seeks railway overbridge
Majhi also highlighted the persistent problem of traffic congestion at the Manoharpur railway level crossing.
She stressed the need for a railway overbridge to ease daily traffic congestion and provide relief to commuters. She said efforts were being made to pursue the project with the concerned authorities.
MLA seeks restoration of pre-Covid services
MLA Jagat Majhi called for restoration of rail services that were available in the region before the Covid-19 pandemic.
He particularly sought the regular operation of the Saranda passenger train, describing it as a lifeline for people in the region.
According to him, frequent suspension of the service causes hardship to economically weaker and middle-class passengers who depend on affordable rail transport for their daily travel.
Hope for more express train halts
BJP leader JB Tubid said Indian Railways was expanding its network and services under the leadership of the Prime Minister and Railway Minister.
He expressed hope that the commencement of the Ernakulam Express halt would pave the way for more express trains to stop at Manoharpur in the future.
The programme was attended by Chakradharpur Senior DCM Aditya Choudhary, former MLA Gurucharan Nayak, Barkunwar Gagrai, Zilla Parishad vice-president Ranjit Yadav, railway officials, public representatives and a large number of local residents.
The new halt is expected to improve connectivity for Manoharpur and neighbouring areas, particularly for passengers travelling towards major destinations along the train’s route.
