PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 11: Rail connectivity between southern India and Jharkhand has received a significant boost with the launch of a new train linking Podanur near Coimbatore with Dhanbad, a move expected to greatly benefit migrant workers from eastern India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the new railway services from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, including the Podanur–Dhanbad Namo Bharat Express that will establish a direct connection between the industrial hubs of the south and the coal and steel belt of Jharkhand.
The weekly service will depart from Podanur every Saturday morning and is scheduled to reach Dhanbad early Monday. The return journey will begin from Dhanbad on Monday.
Strengthening South–East Rail Connectivity
The train will pass through several important stations, including Salem, Renigunta, Vijayawada, Jharsuguda and Ranchi, creating a crucial rail corridor linking Tamil Nadu with eastern India.
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Railway officials say the new service is expected to significantly strengthen passenger connectivity between the southern industrial clusters and the eastern states where a large workforce originates.
Relief for Migrant Workers
The new train is likely to provide major relief to migrant workers from Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha who are employed in textile and industrial centres such as Coimbatore and Tiruppur.
Until now, many passengers travelling between these regions had to change trains at major junctions such as Chennai or Vijayawada, often increasing travel time and inconvenience.
With the introduction of the direct service, workers and their families will be able to travel between the two regions more conveniently and with fewer transfers.
Affordable Travel Focus
Railway authorities said the service has been designed keeping affordability in mind. The train will include a larger number of sleeper and general class coaches, and fares will not be subject to dynamic pricing.
Dedicated coaches have also been provided for persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for a wider group of passengers.
Officials believe the new connection will make long-distance travel smoother and more accessible for thousands of migrant workers, while strengthening the transport link between southern India’s manufacturing hubs and eastern India’s workforce.