RailEnquiry

Marking a new chapter in the brief history of rail connectivity in Santhal Pargana, and adding another train to Ranchi's list, minister of state for railways K.H. Muniyappa on Monday flagged off the new Dumka-Ranchi Intercity from Dumka railway station. This was the first long distance train to be introduced from Dumka after the new railway line between Jasidih and Dumka under Eastern Railway became operational four months ago. Thousands of locals gathered at the railway station to witness the formal flagging off ceremony of the Dumka-Ranchi Intercity with the district police and RPF personals finding it tough to manage the crowd. While speaking on the occasion, Muniyappa said almost all political parties wanted rail connectivity in Dumka. "It was, however, due to the sincerity of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the project finally materialised," he said. He said the railway ministry would ensure improvement in facilities for passenger and goods train so that the area could adequately be benefited. Muniyappa also said he would try to ensure privileges to tribal commuters including students, and those going out of the state in search for jobs by taking up the matter with the railway board. However, almost all public representatives present opined that the timing of the new train needed to be changed. According to the timing fixed by the railway authorities, the Dumka-Ranchi Intercity would leave Dumka at 2.30pm and reach the capital at 11.35pm. Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion were JMM chief Shibu Soren, who is also the local MP. Muniyappa also announced stoppage of the Intercity train at Deoghar station and Jama halt.