The Dhanbad-Chandrapura section which was closed for traffic since June 15, 2017 is likely to re-open for traffic from February 15 onwards, according to a statement from East Central Railway.
Re-opening will happen in a phased manner with the introduction of seven pairs of mail express and one pair of passenger trains in the first phase. They are Kolkata-Ahmedabad express, Kolkata –Madar express, Dhanbad-Ranchi intercity, Maurya express, Howrah Ranchi Shatabdi, Dhanbad –Alappuzha express, Shaktipunj express and the Sonardih,Jhargram MEMU.
Benefits
Re-opening of this section will enhance connectivity to thermal power plants across Eastern India besides faster turnaround for empty goods rakes moving towards Central and Western India. In addition, it would result in enhanced connectivity between North Bihar / Jharkhand and the Central and Southern parts of the country.
The section was ordered to be closed due to mine fires, following the directives of the Director General of Mine Safety (DGMS). On directions from the Railway Board, a thorough inspection of the section was done by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) jointly with the DGMS and the officials of Bharat Coking Coal Limited. Post this, the CCRS allowed train operations in the section.