The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) has urged the Ranchi Railway Division to prioritize passenger convenience and strengthen intercity connectivity from Jharkhand’s capital. The call came during the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held on Thursday at the DRM office in Hatia under the chairmanship of DRM Karuna Nidhi Singh.
Representing the Chamber, DRUCC member Sanjay Akhauri put forward a comprehensive set of proposals, stressing that Ranchi’s status as the state capital and an emerging industrial hub demands a stronger rail network, better amenities, and passenger-focused reforms.
Connectivity for Growth and Inclusion
Akhauri said the Ranchi Division must play a leading role in linking Jharkhand more efficiently with the rest of the country. Proposals included new or extended train services connecting Ranchi with Jaipur, Lucknow (via Ayodhya), Varanasi, Puri, Dhanbad, and Delhi.
The Chamber also requested the extension of the Ranchi–Anand Vihar Terminal train up to Jaipur, expansion of the Ganga Satluj Express up to Ranchi, and resumption of Ranchi–New Delhi Rajdhani via Barkakana route twice a week. A direct Ranchi–Howrah train via Barkakana–Hazaribagh–Koderma and an increase in the frequency of the Ranchi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express were also suggested.
Highlighting the needs of industrial corridors and business travelers, the Chamber proposed a morning Ranchi–Dhanbad Intercity, ensuring arrival by 10:30 am, and a new Barbil–Ranchi Fast MEMU via Chaibasa. These, it said, would strengthen trade routes while serving office commuters.
Improved Amenities and Passenger Services
The Chamber pressed for regular maintenance of train coaches, particularly LHB and other long-distance coaches, including checks of washbasins, fittings, and mobile charging points.
It urged the revival of free station facilities like wheelchairs and trolleys, restoration of senior citizen ticket concessions, and measures to address the shortage of porters at Ranchi and Hatia stations.
“The sensitivity of railway administration towards passengers will be reflected through these small but meaningful actions,” Akhauri said, adding that the Chamber will continue to raise such issues until results are visible.
Inclusive Mobility and Regional Reach
Several proposals focused on connecting Jharkhand’s interior regions to the capital and beyond. These included running a Ranchi–Dumka Intercity via Lohardaga, which would benefit passengers from Tori, Dumka, and Deoghar; starting a new Vande Bharat Sleeper between Ranchi and Puri; and introducing direct trains from Pakur to Patna and New Delhi.
The Chamber also requested the extension of Hatia–Sanki trains to Hazaribagh Town and increasing coach capacityin the Lohardaga–Ranchi MEMU from 8 to 12–15 bogies to meet passenger demand.
Reviving Suspended and Seasonal Services
With major festivals approaching, Akhauri welcomed DRM Singh’s assurance that 38 pairs of special trains would run from Ranchi to various cities from October 17 to manage Diwali and Chhath rush. He also requested the reintroduction of key trains discontinued during the pandemic, such as routes catering to senior citizens and migrant workers.
The Chamber sought a revised timetable for the Shaktipunj Express and a daily superfast or Vande Bharat service between Hatia and Bengaluru, citing heavy passenger load on the route.
Railway Response and Future Plans
Responding to the Chamber’s proposals, DRM Karuna Nidhi Singh assured that several suggestions would be reviewed with priority. She confirmed that the division is considering a Ranchi–Lucknow train via Ayodhya, extending Dhanbad–Satluj Express to Ranchi, and expanding the Anand Vihar service up to Jaipur.
She also informed the committee that the introduction of new Vande Bharat trains between Ranchi–Raipur and Ranchi–Puri is under active consideration by the Railway Board.
Senior DCM Shuchi Singh, other senior officials of the Ranchi Division, and DRUCC representatives were also present.
Public–Private Dialogue for Better Railways
The DRUCC meeting reflected a growing synergy between the railway administration and civic bodies like the Chamber, which has positioned itself as a bridge between passenger needs and policy implementation. The Chamber’s wide-ranging suggestions combined economic rationale, social inclusion, and modernization, projecting a vision of a smarter, passenger-friendly, and regionally connected Jharkhand.
As the state’s economy expands beyond mining and manufacturing, the Chamber believes that efficient, inclusive, and comfortable rail connectivity will be central to Jharkhand’s growth story.
