Introduction of MEMU Train in Bankura – Masagram Newly Electrified Section

Introduction of MEMU Train in Bankura – Masagram Newly Electrified Section

Introduction of New Trains between Bankura – Masagram – Bankura MEMU Passenger (Train No. 68151, 68152, 68153, 68154) time table, route, frequency and fare

South Eastern Railway has decided to introduce two pairs of Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) Trains between Bankura and Masagram w.e.f 21.02.2025 with commissioning of electrification work in the section.

On 21.02.2025, the inaugural day, Train No. 68153 Bankura – Masagram MEMU Passenger will leave Bankura tentatively at 13.20 hrs and will run on open path timings. In the return direction, Train No. 68154 Masagram – Bankura MEMU Passenger will also run on open path timings on the same day.

However, regular run of Train No. 68151 / Train No. 68152 and Train No. 68153 / Train No. 68154 Bankura – Masagram MEMU Passenger trains will commence from 22.02.2025 as per the following schedule till further advice. Both the pairs of trains will run daily and Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) services in Bankura – Masagram – Bankura route will continue to remain cancelled till further advice.

Train No. 68151 / Train No. 68152 Bankura – Masagram – Bankura MEMU Passenger (Daily)

Train No. 68151 Bankura – Masagram MEMU Passenger leaving Bankura at 05.00 hrs will reach Masagram at 07.55 hrs the same day. In the return direction, Train No. 68152 Masagram – Bankura MEMU Passenger leaving Masagram at 08.05 hrs will reach Bankura at 11.00 hrs the same day.

Train No. 68153 / Train No. 68154 Bankura – Masagram – Bankura MEMU Passenger (Daily)

Train No. 68153 Bankura – Masagram MEMU Passenger leaving Bankura at 13.20 hrs will reach Masagram at 16.20 hrs the same day. In the return direction, Train No. 68154 Masagram – Bankura MEMU Passenger leaving Masagram at 17.00 hrs will reach Bankura at 20.00 hrs the same day.

Here’s a detailed introduction to the new MEMU train service between Bankura and Masagram, launched after electrification of the section under South Eastern Railway:

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🚆 1. Overview: New MEMU Service on Electrified Bankura–Masagram Section

• South Eastern Railway inaugurated two pairs of daily MEMU services (Train Nos. 68151/68152 and 68153/68154) between Bankura (BQA) and Masagram (MSAE) from 21 February 2025, following electrification of the route
• MEMU services replaced earlier DEMU services, which were discontinued

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⏱️ 2. Schedule & Timings

• Daily operation for both MEMU pairs:
  • Train 68151 (Bankura → Masagram): Departs 05:00, reaches Masagram at 07:55 (~2 h 55 m).
  • Train 68152 (Masagram → Bankura): Departs 08:05, arrives 11:00 (~2 h 55 m).
  • Train 68153 (Bankura → Masagram): Departs 13:20, arrives 16:20.
  • Train 68154 (Masagram → Bankura): Departs 17:00, reaches 20:00 same day
• These trains operate every day, covering ~120 km

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🛤️ 3. Route & Significance

• The line is part of the 120.3 km Bankura–Masagram single electrified broad‑gauge route, connecting Bankura district to the Howrah–Burdwan chord via Masagram
• This connection shortens Bankura–Howrah travel via Masagram bypassing the longer route via Kharagpur
• The service benefits passengers traveling to/from Bankura, Sonamukhi, Indas, and other intermediate stations .

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🌟 4. Recent Extension: Purulia → Howrah MEMU via Masagram

• On June 28, 2025, Railway Minister flagged off a new MEMU service Train No. 08121/08122 connecting Purulia–Bankura–Masagram–Howrah, further enhancing regional connectivity
• This expanded route integrates multiple districts and uses the Bankura–Masagram line to directly join with Howrah chord services

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📋 Summary Table

Service	Train Nos	Route	Frequency	Departure (Bankura)	Arrival (Masagram)	Duration
Morning pair	68151 / 68152	Bankura ↔ Masagram	Daily	05:00	07:55	~2h 55m
Afternoon pair	68153 / 68154	Bankura ↔ Masagram	Daily	13:20	16:20	~3h
Extended route	08121/08122	Purulia → Howrah via Bankura–Masagram	Six days/week	From Purulia on Jun 30, 2025	—	~8–9h whole run

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⚙️ 5. Coach Type & Features

• Operates with Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) rakes — clean, efficient, and ideal for medium-distance commuter travel
• Offers non‑reserved second seating (2S) only; no sleeping or pantry facilities.
• Built to operate up to 100–110 km/h, though actual average speed is ~40 km/h due to multiple halts

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📣 6. Passenger Feedback & Operational Notes

• Reddit feedback indicates significant delays on this section, often due to path congestion—sometimes trains wait in sidings for multiple express trains to pass
• The single‑track nature and heavy regional traffic make punctuality an issue despite electrification improvements.

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✅ Why This Service Matters

• Electrification enabled efficient MEMU operation, replacing slower DEMUs and boosting frequency for commuters.
• The service provides a faster, affordable link between Bankura and Howrah via Masagram, enhancing connectivity across East & South‑Eastern Railway zones.
• The extension from Purulia to Howrah further reduces travel time and strengthens regional rail access.

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ℹ️ Travel Tips

• These are fully unreserved, daily MEMU trains—arrive early to secure seating.
• Not designed for long journeys—better suited for inter-district travel (~3 h per leg).
• Monitor real-time train tracking via RailMadad or official apps to accommodate possible delays.
• For longer stretches, reserved express trains remain the preferred choice.

Would you like a detailed halt list for Train 68151/68153, or help checking timings/train status on a specific date?