THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 6: Villagers living in and around the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) have launched protests against the proposed relocation of Chhipadohar and Hehegara railway stations in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, alleging that the move will severely affect local connectivity and daily life.
The relocation plan, linked to railway expansion and wildlife conservation efforts, has triggered public resentment across the region, with locals calling the two stations an integral part of their identity.
Protest Committee Announces Sit-In at Chhipadohar Station on May 13
A newly formed outfit, Sarvdalya Chhipadohar Hehegara Railway Station Visthapan Sangharsh Samiti, has announced a peaceful sit-in protest at Chhipadohar railway station on May 13.
The group submitted a memorandum to Palamu Tiger Reserve authorities on May 3, demanding that the relocation proposal be withdrawn.
The memorandum, addressed to the PTR Field Director, was signed by Chhipadohar Panchayat Mukhiya Beronica Kujur, Deputy Mukhiya Dipa Devi, and several residents.
According to the memorandum, if the protest fails to produce results, the outfit may launch a “rail chakka jam” and stage demonstrations outside the Chhipadohar range office. However, no dates for the intensified agitation have been announced yet.
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Railway Relocation Linked to Wildlife Safety and Third Rail Line Project
Forest Range Officer of Chhipadohar, Ajay Toppo, confirmed receiving the memorandum and said senior officials would be informed about the proposed agitation.
Railway and forest department sources said the relocation of the two railway stations is part of a larger plan to clear more than 11 kilometres of railway tracks passing through the Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Officials said the move is also aimed at facilitating the construction of a third railway line alongside the existing Up and Down tracks under the East Central Railway’s Dhanbad division.
A railway official, requesting anonymity, said the relocation would help create a safer environment for wildlife, especially elephants, which are frequently endangered by railway movement inside the reserve.
“Once these two stations are relocated, the PTR area will be free from railway tracks and stations, reducing risks to wildlife,” the official said.
Speed Restrictions on Trains May Be Removed After Relocation
Railway officials said trains currently operate under a speed restriction of 25 kmph between Chhipadohar and Hehegara stations due to the sensitive forest zone.
After relocation, these restrictions are expected to be lifted, potentially improving train movement and operational efficiency.
According to railway sources, Chhipadohar station will be shifted around 1.75 km from its present location, while Hehegara station will be relocated nearly 5 km away.
Villagers Fear Hardship for Students, Women and Patients
The protest committee claimed that relocating the stations would create difficulties for students, women, labourers, elderly passengers, disabled persons, and patients who depend on easy railway access.
The outfit also stated that Chhipadohar railway station serves residents from Netarhat and remote villages, including Chungru and nearby hamlets, making the existing location crucial for public convenience.
Railways Promise Better Facilities at New Stations
Railway authorities have assured that the relocated stations will have improved passenger amenities, including waiting lounges, drinking water facilities, toilets, and better ticket booking arrangements.
However, protestors have reportedly rejected these assurances, insisting that accessibility matters more than upgraded infrastructure.
Beehives at Chhipadohar Station Pose Additional Challenges
Railway sources said Chhipadohar station currently has numerous beehives hanging from large trees around the premises. Passengers are regularly warned against smoking, including bidi smoking, as smoke can disturb the bees and create safety risks.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Sanjeev Kumar, said he would examine the issue.
“I will look into this matter. No one has informed me about it so far,” he said.