Ghatshila gets direct rail links to Mumbai and Pune
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, September 12: Ghatshila’s rail connectivity with major metropolitan centres received a significant boost with the introduction of regular stoppages…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, September 12: Ghatshila’s rail connectivity with major metropolitan centres received a significant boost with the introduction of regular stoppages of the Gitanjali Superfast Express and Azad Hind Express at Ghatshila station.
The new stoppages, approved by the Railway Board, are expected to make travel to Mumbai and Pune considerably more convenient for passengers from Ghatshila and adjoining areas.
New stoppages mark a long-standing demand
A special programme was organised at Ghatshila station to mark the occasion. MP Bidyut Baran Mahato and Ghatshila MLA Somesh Chandra Soren, along with Hindustan Copper Limited Executive Director Umesh Singh, railway officials, public representatives and a large number of passengers, attended the event.
During the programme, Mahato, in the presence of Soren and other dignitaries, flagged off the 12860 Howrah–Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Gitanjali Superfast Express from Ghatshila after its first scheduled halt at the station.
Mahato said the introduction of the stoppages fulfilled a long-standing demand of residents of Ghatshila and surrounding areas.
He said the new services would provide direct and convenient access to major cities such as Mumbai and Pune, benefiting people travelling for employment, business, education and medical treatment.
He added that improved rail connectivity could also strengthen the region’s industrial, commercial and tourism potential.
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Gitanjali and Azad Hind Express to halt at Ghatshila
The trains that will now have regular stoppages at Ghatshila are:
- 12859/12860 Howrah–Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus–Howrah Gitanjali Superfast Express
- 12129/12130 Howrah–Pune–Howrah Azad Hind Express
The ceremony was attended by Kharagpur Division Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Mohan Pandey, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Nishant Kumar and other senior railway officials.
Members of ZRUCC and DRUCC, local representatives, prominent citizens and railway users were also present.
Passengers welcome improved connectivity
Rail passengers welcomed the development, describing it as an important step towards strengthening long-distance connectivity from Ghatshila.
They said the new stoppages would reduce the need to travel to alternative stations to board trains for Mumbai and Pune. They also expressed hope that the improved connectivity would give further impetus to trade, industry and tourism in the region.
With the new stoppages, Ghatshila’s direct rail connectivity with Howrah, Mumbai and Pune has been strengthened, raising hopes of further expansion of railway facilities in the area.
