Four trains to terminate at Adityapur railway station from next month

Major Shift in Train Operations for Jamshedpur Region

In a significant development for rail commuters in Jamshedpur, four key trains are set to terminate at Adityapur railway station starting next month, moving away from the bustling Tatanagar station. This change, announced by the Chakradharpur division of South Eastern Railways, aims to alleviate the heavy traffic at Tatanagar, which is undergoing major redevelopment to become a model station. Adityapur, located nearby, is being positioned as a vital terminal to share the load. The decision follows careful planning, including a trial run of a MEMU service from Adityapur last year, proving its readiness for expanded operations. Local rail authorities believe this will streamline movements and improve overall efficiency in the region.

The affected trains include both passenger and express services, ensuring a balanced impact on daily travelers. Specifically, the Hatia-Adityapur-Hatia MEMU (train numbers 68035/36) will fully operate from Adityapur effective February 5. The Subarnarekha Express (13301/2) between Dhanbad and Adityapur will also end its journey there from the same date. Adding to this, the tri-weekly Adityapur-Asansol Express (13511/12) shifts on February 6, while the Visakhapatnam-Tatanagar Express (20815/16) makes the change by late March. These adjustments mean both originating and terminating points for these routes will now be at Adityapur, reducing the strain on Tatanagar's limited platforms.

Reasons Behind the Terminal Change and Future Plans

The primary driver for this shift is the mounting congestion at Tatanagar station, coupled with its ongoing transformation project. With passenger numbers rising steadily, the station has faced platform shortages and operational bottlenecks. To address this, the Chakradharpur division proposed diverting select trains to Adityapur, gaining swift approval from the Railway Board. Officials note that developing Adityapur as a dedicated terminal will not only decongest Tatanagar but also boost connectivity for residents in surrounding areas like Adityapur and nearby townships. Longer-term, plans include operating up to eight pairs of trains from here, marking a big upgrade for the station's infrastructure and role in the network.

This move aligns with broader efforts to modernize rail facilities in eastern India. Tatanagar's redevelopment involves new amenities, better crowd management, and enhanced safety features, but it requires temporarily offloading some services. Adityapur, with its strategic location on the main line, offers ample space for expansion. Trial operations in 2025 demonstrated smooth handling of services, building confidence in the setup. Rail enthusiasts and frequent commuters see this as a positive step toward more resilient rail travel in Jharkhand.

Passenger Reactions and Potential Challenges

While the change promises smoother operations at Tatanagar, it has sparked mixed responses among passengers. Those living closer to Adityapur welcome the convenience, as it brings major trains right to their doorstep. However, commuters from farther areas like Burmamines, Karandih, Sarjamda, and Bagbera worry about added travel time—potentially an hour more—to reach the new terminal. This could mean higher costs for autos or taxis, especially for early morning or late-night arrivals. Railway authorities are urging passengers to plan ahead and explore connecting local transport options.

"Tatanagar Railway Station is facing a shortage of platforms. Therefore, a proposal was previously sent to the Railway Board to start some trains from Adityapur," said Aditya Chaudhary, Senior DCM, Chakradharpur Division.

To mitigate inconveniences, the division is coordinating with local transport providers and considering awareness campaigns through station announcements and social media. Revised departure times for some trains are minor— a few minutes early or late—to accommodate the shift. Frequent travelers are advised to check updated schedules via official apps or helplines. Overall, the consensus is that these changes will benefit the rail ecosystem in the long run, even if short-term adjustments are needed.

This development underscores the railways' proactive approach to balancing growth with capacity. By distributing train operations, both stations stand to gain: Tatanagar focuses on premium upgrades, while Adityapur emerges as a key hub. Commuters can look forward to fewer delays and better facilities over time. In summary, the termination of four trains at Adityapur from next month eases Tatanagar’s burden, supports redevelopment, and enhances regional connectivity, despite initial adaptation challenges for some passengers.