The tribal-dominated region at the Odisha-Jharkhand borders had to wait for over a century to catch a glimpse of trains and realise their dreams until the land’s daughter, as well as daughter-in-law, was enthroned as the President of India.
President Draupadi Murmu benevolently flagged off the operation of trains on Tuesday, connecting her native place, Rairangpur, with her in-law’s place, Badampahar, a mere distance of 32 km. Moreover, the region gained connectivity in one go with important cities, including neighbouring Jamshedpur, Ranchi and Kolkata, providing ample scope for the economic development of the entire fossil and mineral-rich region.
Before embarking on her first train ride as President between her Sasural and Maika, the President graciously
flagged off three trains: Badampahar–Tatanagar local EMU, Badampahar-Rourkela Weekly Express, and Badampahar-Shalimar Weekly Express.
On the occasion, Murmu said the development of any area depends on its connectivity. “Be it rail, roads, or postal services, all these services make people’s lives easier,” the President said, addressing the gathering at Badampahar Railway station.
The project received a boost due to the understanding of the region’s needs by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had previously served the State as an Odisha cadre IAS officer. Besides Vaishnaw, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and top functionaries of the Odisha Government graced the emotional moment for the area.
All these trains pass through Murmu’s native town, Rairangpur, in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. There was not been a single mail/express train to Rairangpur station except for freight mobilisation by the national transporter.
Local people had been demanding mail/express trains connecting Badampahar and Rairangpur for over decades. “Isi ko Sapna Sakar Hona Boltey Hai Hum. (We have realised our dreams). Jo koyi Nahi kar paya aaj hamari ghar ki beti ne kar diya (Our daughter has done what none could do),” said Shailendra Patra, a resident near the station, who had come to watch the glimpse of Murmu as well as the trains.
It has come as a boon for students and job aspirants of Badampahar/Rairangpur area who will now have easy access to premier educational institutes and corporate houses in West Bengal and further connectivity to other cities of opportunities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
“These trains will pass through the mineral-rich areas of Odisha, industrial areas of Jharkhand, and will facilitate faster connectivity with the State of West Bengal. People from nearby areas will also be able to avail this train service for visiting Kolkata and Howrah for various purposes,” said a railway spokesman.
“Better connectivity will boost the growth and development of Mayurbhanj District of Odisha. This new train will also encourage tourists from West Bengal and Jharkhand to explore and enjoy the picturesque landscape and dense jungles,” added the railways in a statement.
Making a departure from convention, Murmu became the first President of India not to take the Special President Suite Train but travelled in a normal passenger train. She also laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Badampahar Railway station.
Historically, a rail line was built by the Tatas in 1922 for the transportation of iron ore from Badampahar ore area to the steel production unit at Jamshedpur. The same tracks have now been upgraded for use by passenger services.
In other separate events, Murmu also virtually inaugurated the new Rairangpur Postal Division and released a Commemorative Special Cover of Rairangpur Postal Division.
The President further said that despite the increasing trend of cell phones and courier services, India Post has not lost its relevance. She added that the Union Government is taking various initiatives for the development of tribal communities.