Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Migrants from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, who reside in the city and the Malwa region have reiterated their long-standing demand for better rail connectivity to their native places.
They have demanded for the introduction of direct train services from the city to Darbhanga and Ranchi, daily operations of the Indore-Patna train, and the rerouting of the Indore-Guwahati train via Bhagalpur. The demand has been made by the Purvottar Sanskritik Sansthan Madhya Pradesh, an organisation representing the people of Bihar in the state.
It has submitted a memorandum to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The memorandum was jointly sent by the organisation’s president, Thakur Jagdish Singh, and general secretary, KK Jha.
It highlights the challenges faced by migrants in maintaining connections with their roots due to insufficient rail services, particularly during festivals and special occasions, which see a surge in travel demand.
Darbhanga, a prominent cultural, educational and economic hub in North Bihar, is a vital destination for many migrants of Bihar who are living in the city for many years. The memorandum emphasises that a direct train between Indore and Darbhanga would not only facilitate travel but also strengthen cultural and social bonds between the Mithila and Malwa regions.
Additionally, it would promote trade and religious tourism, further boosting the economies of both regions. Ranchi connection is lifeline for Jharkhand migrants Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand and a key administrative, industrial, and educational centre, is another priority destination for migrants.
A direct train between Indore and Ranchi would cater to the needs of migrants, students, businesspeople and labourers from Jharkhand, easing their travel woes and fostering economic opportunities. ‘Run Indore-Patna train daily’ The organisation has also pressed for the Indore-Patna train, currently running three times a week, to operate daily. The current tri-weekly schedule results in long waiting lists, making it inconvenient for passengers.
A daily service would not only offer much-needed relief to travellers but also generate higher revenue for Indian Railways by catering to increased passenger demand. The organisation has proposed rerouting the Indore-Guwahati train via Bhagalpur, a key commercial and industrial hub in eastern Bihar.
This rerouting would improve connectivity for Bhagalpur, Munger, and surrounding districts, stimulating regional economic growth and meeting the travel needs of thousands of migrants.
