Palamu Tiger Reserve Railway Relocation: Two Stations, Three Lines to be Shifted
In a significant move for wildlife conservation, two railway stations and three railway lines located within the core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand are set to be relocated soon, according to official statements. This decision aims to minimize risks to the reserve's wildlife and address long-standing fragmentation issues.
Inter-Ministerial Talks Underway for Relocation
PTR officials confirmed that the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Railways regarding the relocation of Hehegara and Chhipadohar railway stations, along with three adjacent railway tracks. These infrastructure elements currently bisect the tiger reserve, creating ecological challenges.
S R Natesha, Regional Chief Conservator of Forest and Field Director of PTR, emphasized the urgency of this relocation. "The relocation is a long-pending issue as the PTR stands fragmented because of this," Natesha stated on Wednesday. "Not just the railway lines, but a state highway also passes through the PTR. However, relocation of railway property is currently on the anvil. After that, we will press for shifting of the state highway too."
Current Operational Constraints and Future Benefits
Under the Dhanbad division of East Central Railways, these stations serve as vital rail links, with up to 125 trains traversing these tracks daily. Currently, railway operations are heavily restricted within the reserve area. Trains are mandated to limit their speed to 25 kmph for wildlife safety and must maintain continuous whistling to alert animals and prevent accidents.
Natesha highlighted the mutual benefits of relocation. "Relocation will help railways get rid of all those safety cautions," he explained, noting that it would allow for more efficient rail operations while eliminating disturbance to wildlife.
Specific Relocation Plans and Land Requirements
Railway sources provided detailed relocation plans. Hehegara station will be moved to a site approximately 5 km away from its current location, while Chhipadohar station will be relocated to Kuchila, about 1.75 km away. The three railway lines, each measuring 11.5 km currently, will be extended to 18.5 km after relocation.
"On relocation these lines will start from Gua to Kuchila," a railway source clarified. However, the project faces a significant hurdle: land acquisition. Railway sources indicated they are awaiting acquisition of over 365 acres of land, which includes three types of land—private, government, and forest land.
Additional Conservation Measures Under Consideration
Beyond the railway relocation, Natesha revealed that deliberations are also underway for constructing a tunnel or underpass near the 'chicken neck' area of Betla National Park, which is part of the PTR complex. This additional infrastructure would further facilitate wildlife movement and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
The relocation initiative represents a critical step in addressing the fragmentation of Palamu Tiger Reserve, which has been exacerbated by transportation infrastructure. By moving railway operations outside the core reserve area, authorities aim to create a more contiguous and secure habitat for tigers and other wildlife, while simultaneously improving railway efficiency and safety protocols.
