Railway Minister Flags Off Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express, Boosting Connectivity in Jharkhand

New Delhi: In a move to enhance connectivity in Jharkhand , Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the daily Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express via video conferencing on Thursday, according to a press statement from the Railway Ministry.

The new train service will link Sahibganj to Howrah, covering 350 km in just seven hours at a pocket-friendly fare of Rs 125, providing significant relief to Jharkhand residents.

"Currently, travellers spend Rs 700 to Rs 800 to journey from Sahibganj to Howrah by road. The introduction of this train service will not only simplify travel but also enhance business opportunities and employment in the region," the ministry said.

Additionally, the railway minister has approved a stoppage for the weekly Anand Vihar - Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express (20501) at Sahibganj station, starting Thursday. This train, traveling from Anand Vihar in the NCR to Agartala, will make Sahibganj its first stop in Jharkhand , the only station in the state between Bihar and West Bengal.

"This was the long-standing demand of the people of Jharkhand ," the ministry added.

Addressing the gathering, Vaishnaw said the Santhal Pargana region has a long history and has made significant contributions to our struggle for independence.

" Jharkhand is a large state with a rich cultural heritage, and many industries across the country rely on its power supply. The last ten years under Modi's leadership have seen tremendous growth in the state," he said.

He noted, "Ten years ago, the railway budget allocation for Jharkhand was only Rs 450 crore, but today it has surged to Rs 7,300 crore—a 16-fold increase in investment for the state's development."

(With PTI inputs)