Manoharpur, September 05, 2026: A long-pending demand for better rail connectivity in Manoharpur was fulfilled on Saturday as the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express began its scheduled halt at Manoharpur railway station.
The train’s first stop at the station was marked by a celebratory welcome from local residents, who gathered with drums and traditional music. MP Joba Majhi and MLA Jagat Majhi joined railway officials and other public representatives to welcome the train before flagging it off for its onward journey.
Among those present were Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Verma’s representative JB Tubid and Chakradharpur Railway Division DRM Tarun Huria, along with other railway officials and elected representatives.
MP Joba Majhi calls halt a significant achievement
Addressing the gathering at the station, Joba Majhi said the new halt was the result of a sustained demand from residents of Manoharpur and surrounding areas.
She described the development as an important achievement for the region and said efforts would continue to improve railway facilities in areas of the Singhbhum parliamentary constituency where passengers still face connectivity-related difficulties.
Majhi also raised the issue of frequent traffic congestion at the Manoharpur railway crossing, saying a railway overbridge is needed to ease the daily inconvenience faced by residents. She said efforts were being made to pursue the demand.
MLA seeks regular Saranda passenger service
MLA Jagat Majhi said efforts would continue to restore the level of railway operations and passenger facilities that existed in the Manoharpur area before the Covid-19 period.
He urged railway authorities to ensure regular operation of the Saranda passenger train, describing it as a lifeline for people in the region.
Majhi said intermittent suspension of the service particularly affects poor and middle-income passengers and also sought further expansion of railway facilities in the area.
More train halts expected
BJP leader JB Tubid said Indian Railways was expanding infrastructure and services under the leadership of the Prime Minister and Railway Minister. He expressed hope that Manoharpur would receive halts for more express trains in the future.
The first halt of the Ernakulam Express drew considerable enthusiasm at the station, with residents welcoming the train with drums and music. Locals described the development as a significant gain for the area and thanked the public representatives and railway administration.
Senior DCM Aditya Choudhary, former MLA Gurcharan Nayak, Badkunwar Gagrai, Zilla Parishad vice-president Ranjit Yadav, BDO Shakti Kunj, CO Pradeep Kumar, DSP David A. Dodrai, officer-in-charge Amiel Ekka and several other public representatives, railway officials and villagers were present.
