The electrification work of Jamshedpur-Badampahar is expected to be completed by July this year as the ambitious project of the South Eastern Railway has gained momentum.

This work was supposed to begin in February last year, but that could not happen due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It ultimately kicked off in November 2020, a year after the one year-long survey work got completed.

The electrification of the route would not only help in introducing MEMU ( Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains but would also help in improving train speed.

Currently, trains in that section move at an average speed of 40-50 Kmph. The electrification work would help in improving the train speed between 100-120 Kmph.

Station director of Tatanagar Railway Station H.K. Balmuchu said the electrification of the nearly 80 Km route between Tatanagar and Badampahar is expected to take another six months or so.

"The electrification work is going on in a war footing manner and the project is expected to complete by July. It is an ambitious project. Around Rs 100 crore is being spent in the project," he said.

Currently, a train- Tata- Badampahar DMU ( Diesel Multiple Unit) Passenger with a diesel locomotive ( engine) ferry passengers between the two destinations apart from a few goods trains which majorly carry iron-ores.

Tata-Badampahar section assumes significance as Gorumahisani, which is famous for iron-ore mines falls in that section.

Apart from historical importance the place also has commercial value.

" It will help in increasing the prospects of loading. The railways therefore took a decision to develop that section, " Balmuchu added.

Notably, Tata-Badampahar was the only railway section under South Eastern Railway jurisdiction that was left without electrification.