On October 10, 2024, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express via video conferencing, marking a significant enhancement in rail connectivity for the region of Jharkhand. This new train service spans a distance of 350 kilometers, facilitating travel between Sahibganj and Howrah in approximately seven hours, with affordable fares set at just 125 rupees.
During the inauguration, Minister emphasized the historical importance of the Santhal Pargana region and its contributions to India’s independence struggle. He mentioned a remarkable increase in the railway budget allocation for Jharkhand—from 450 crore rupees a decade ago to 7,300 crore rupees today. Over the past ten years, the state has seen the construction of 1,200 kilometers of new railway lines and achieved 100% electrification of its railway tracks.
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