Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar Express Likely to Reach Puri
The long-standing demand to extend the Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar Express up to Puri has gained fresh momentum. During a recent meeting of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) organized by South Eastern Railway, committee members once again raised the issue.
Railway officials informed attendees that a formal proposal seeking the extension of the train from Bhubaneswar to Puri was submitted to East Coast Railway and the Railway Board on June 4. The proposal is currently awaiting approval. If cleared, passengers from Dhanbad and surrounding regions will receive direct rail connectivity to one of Odisha’s most important pilgrimage and tourist destinations.
Proposal Submitted to Increase Ranchi–Kamakhya Express Services
Committee members also urged railway authorities to increase the frequency of the Ranchi–Kamakhya Weekly Express, which passes through Dhanbad.
According to railway officials, the proposal has already been forwarded to Northeast Frontier Railway and the Railway Board. A final decision will be taken after approval from the concerned authorities.
Daily Operations Unlikely for Rourkela–Jaynagar and Ranchi–Ara Trains
Passengers hoping for daily services of the Rourkela–Jaynagar Express may have to wait longer. The proposal to increase the train’s operation from three days a week to a daily service has not received approval so far.
Railway authorities cited operational limitations, including the availability of alternative train services on the same section and infrastructure constraints at Rourkela station.
Similarly, the proposal to convert the Ranchi–Ara Weekly Express into a daily train has been deemed difficult under current conditions. Officials noted that the route between Rajabera and Gaya already handles significant rail traffic, making additional daily operations challenging.
Despite these concerns, a proposal regarding the service was forwarded to the Railway Board on June 12 for further consideration.
Vananchal Express Extension to Lohardaga Under Review
Another important proposal involves extending the Ranchi–Bhagalpur Vananchal Express to Lohardaga.
If implemented, passengers traveling from Bihar, West Bengal, Dhanbad, and Ranchi would gain direct rail access to Lohardaga, improving regional connectivity.
Railway officials stated that the proposal will be evaluated after the completion of the doubling work on the Piska–Tori railway section.
Barddhaman–Hatia MEMU May Be Extended to Garhwa
South Eastern Railway has also initiated discussions regarding the extension of the Barddhaman–Hatia MEMU service up to Garhwa.
A communication related to the proposal has reportedly been sent to East Central Railway, and further action will depend on operational feasibility and approvals.
Reservation Benefits for Jharkhand Passengers on Ranchi–LTT Express
Passengers traveling on the Ranchi–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) Weekly Express via Bokaro and Gomoh are expected to receive improved reservation access.
Railway authorities have announced changes to the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) profile. Effective from August 12, a larger portion of reservation quotas for passengers traveling between Ranchi and Koderma will be available under the General Waiting List category, potentially increasing booking opportunities for travelers from Jharkhand.
Shalimar–Gorakhpur Express Frequency Increase Still Under Consideration
Efforts are also underway to increase the frequency of the Shalimar–Gorakhpur Express, which operates through Mahuda and Gomoh.
South Eastern Railway officials stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of Northern Railway. Proposals seeking an increase in services to three days per week have already been submitted twice—once in October last year and again in May this year.
A final decision is still awaited.
Conclusion
Several railway proposals aimed at improving connectivity and passenger convenience across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and neighboring regions are currently being reviewed. While many of these plans require approval from the Railway Board and other railway zones, passengers may soon see expanded routes, better reservation facilities, and enhanced train frequencies if the proposals move forward.
