Vaishnaw Flags Off Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express; Highlights Development in Rail Infrastructure and Job Creation

The Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express (13428) will operate daily, departing Sahibganj at 5:20 AM and arriving in Howrah at 12:15 PM.

In a significant move for the people of Jharkhand, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, flagged off the daily Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express through video conferencing today. This new train service will enhance connectivity between Sahibganj and Howrah, covering a distance of 350 km in just 7 hours at an affordable fare of ₹125. Previously, residents faced travel costs ranging from ₹700 to ₹800 for road journeys between the two locations, making the new train service a welcome relief for the local population.

The launch of this train not only simplifies travel but is also expected to bolster business opportunities and create employment in the region. Additionally, the Minister announced that the Anand Vihar - Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express (20501) will now stop at Sahibganj station, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the community. This train will serve as a crucial link for passengers travelling between Anand Vihar in the national capital region and Agartala, making Sahibganj the only station in Jharkhand that will see a stop between Bihar and West Bengal.

The Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express (13428) will operate daily, departing Sahibganj at 5:20 AM and arriving in Howrah at 12:15 PM. The return journey (13427) will leave Howrah at 1:45 PM, reaching Sahibganj at 8:35 PM. The train is composed of 9 general coaches and 2 SLR/SLRD coaches, ensuring ample capacity for commuters.

Meanwhile, the Agartala Anand Vihar-Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express (20502) will also make a new stop at Sahibganj station. It is scheduled to arrive at 1:56 PM on October 15, 2024, and will depart shortly after at 1:58 PM. The return journey (20501) will stop at Sahibganj at 5:01 PM on October 10, 2024, departing at 5:03 PM.

Addressing the audience, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the historical significance of the Santhal Pargana region and its contributions to India’s independence struggle. He remarked on the critical role Jharkhand plays in supplying power to various industries across the nation. Reflecting on the development journey over the past decade, he noted that the railway budget allocation for Jharkhand has surged from merely ₹450 crores to an impressive ₹7,300 crores, marking a 16-fold increase in investment for railway infrastructure in the state.

In the last decade, 1,200 kilometers of railway lines have been constructed, achieving 100% electrification in Jharkhand. The redevelopment of 57 railway stations is underway, with a total investment of ₹56,000 crores planned for the railway sector. This initiative aims to provide residents with improved travel facilities, attract new industries, and create job opportunities. The upgrades will also benefit students commuting for education and those seeking medical services, enhancing overall accessibility.

While extending his best wishes to the residents of Sahibganj and the surrounding areas, Minister Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to local leaders Shri Nishikant Dubey and Shri Anant Kumar Ojha for their commitment to addressing regional needs and facilitating these developments. The collaborative efforts of these leaders have been instrumental in launching the new train service.

Shri Nishikant Dubey, a Member of Parliament from Godda, participated via video conferencing from Rail Bhawan, while Shri Anant Kumar Ojha, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Rajmahal, attended the event at Sahibganj Railway Station. Both leaders commended the railway initiatives introduced by Minister Vaishnaw. Shri Dubey highlighted that the Giridih railway station, which had remained inactive for 140 years, is now operational, reflecting the government's commitment to improving transportation in Jharkhand. He further noted that the new services offer residents the chance to connect with three significant Shakti Peeths—Kamakhya, Tripura Sundari, and Kalighat—just in time for the Navratri festival, marking a special gift for the community.