Jamshedpur: Chief minister Hemant Soren criticised the Railways for focusing on freight traffic at the expense of passenger trains and accused it of compromising commuters’ interest in the Tatanagar section.
CM Questions Railway Priorities
Questioning the persistent delays of passenger trains, Hemant said that for the past two years, freight trains moved seamlessly. Raising the issue on his X handle on Sunday, the chief minister said thousands of daily commuters, workers and employees were suffering because of inordinate delays in passenger train services.
In an oblique reference to the railway’s apparent preference for freight over commuter trains, the CM said the larger question was not about the movement of trains, but about the railways’ priorities. “Is the time of Jharkhand’s people as valuable as freight movement to the Railways?” said Soren.
Demand for Action
He requested Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to prioritise passenger trains in the Tatanagar section and sought time-bound completion of infrastructural projects on the route. Soren said a solution to delayed passenger trains should be found immediately and asserted that any compromise on the amenities and dignity of the people of Jharkhand was unacceptable.
Public Movement Against Delays
With delays continuing on the Tatanagar-Chakradharpur and Tatanagar-Chandil routes for nearly three years, residents across Kolhan division’s three districts have launched a movement against the railways. The Rail Yatri Sangharsh Samiti, steered by Jamshedpur (West) MLA Saryu Roy, has begun a signature campaign.
Railways Respond
Aditya Choudhary, senior commercial manager of Chakradharpur division, said operations had improved over the past fortnight. On April 27, he claimed punctuality had risen from 35% to 65%-75%, while delays had reduced from 120 minutes to 15-20 minutes.
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About the Author: B Sridhar, based in Jamshedpur, covers the entire Kolhan region including East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan, reporting on left wing extremism, city life, urban policies and other topics.
