Ranchi: Train travel time from Ranchi to Tatanagar and Howrah is set to be cut down by around two hours very soon. In its bid to bring in efficiency and reduce the travel time, the Indian Railways has initiated the plan to build a 5.90-km bypass railway line between Silli in Ranchi and Illoo stations in Purulia district in West Bengal, which would reduce the distance considerably.
Currently, a train passenger requires about 3.5 to 4.5 hours to travel to Tatanagar from Ranchi, depending on the train. The travel time from Ranchi to Howrah is about 7 hours and 45 minutes. Once the link railway line is operationalised, travel time will be reduced by around two hours.
Also Read: Cabinet nod to doubling of railway tracks in Bihar, new line in AP
Officials of the South Eastern Railway (SER) zone said that tenders have been issued for construction of the much-awaited Silli-Illoo bypass line under the Ranchi railway division. This project, lauded by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and former MP Mahesh Poddar, will improve travel between Ranchi, Tatanagar, and other locations. The bypass line will reduce the distance and cost of travel between Ranchi, Howrah, and Tatanagar. Initial work includes constructing small and large railway bridges, earthwork, ballast supply, service building, approach roads, electrical work, and a loop line.
The Railway Ministry has allotted a sum of ₹137 crore for construction of the Silli-Illoo bypass line. The bypass line will also reduce pressure on the busy Muri junction, as trains heading to Tatanagar and Howrah and vice versa need not pass through Muri.
Also Read: Shatabdis, Jan Shatabdis can match speed of Vande Bharat exp
Officials of Ranchi railway division said that construction of the new rail line would bolster development and business activities in the surrounding areas. “The land acquisition work for the project is almost complete, after which the Ranchi railway division has issued tenders for the construction of the line,” said a senior officer.
The Railway Board had approved the Silli-Illoo link railway line in May 2024. Then Ranchi Member of Parliament Sanjay Seth had in 2023 raised the issue in Lok Sabha and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said that the project was not sanctioned yet.
