ntroduction of DEMU Train in Tatanagar – Badampahar
Introduction of New Trains between Tatanagar and Badampahar DEMU Passenger Train (Train No. 78031 / 78032) time table, route, frequency and fare
Keeping in view the demand of the passengers, South Eastern Railway hasdecided to run DEMU Train between Tatanagar and Badampahar w.e.f. 23.02.2025both from Tatanagar and Badampahartill further advice.
Train No. 78031Tatanagar – Badampahar DEMU Passenger leaving Tatanagar daily at 06.00 hrs will reach Badampaharat 10.15 hrs the same day.
In the return direction, Train No. 78032 Badampahar – Tatanagar DEMU Passenger leaving Badampahar daily at 10.30 hrs will arrive Tatanagar at 14.40 hrs the same day.
Passengers are requested to strictly follow all the safety protocols before and during journey in the wake of COVID – 19 Pandemic.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the DEMU / MEMU train services on the Tatanagar – Badampahar corridor operated by South Eastern Railway following electrification:
Contents
🚆 1. Historical DEMU Service Launch (February 2025)
- On 23 February 2025, South Eastern Railway introduced the first DEMU Passenger service between Tatanagar (Jamshedpur) and Badampahar after a gap of over a century
- Train 78031 departed Tatanagar at 06:00 AM, arriving at Badampahar by 10:15 AM; Train 78032 returned at 10:30 AM, reaching Tatanagar by 14:40 PM
- Distance covered: ~107 km in ~4 h 15 min, with 8 intermediate halts via stations like Haludpukur, Bahalda Road, Gorumahisani, Rairangpur, Kuldiha, and Chhanua
- This was the second passenger service on this line since its creation in 1911
⚡ 2. Electrification & Transition to MEMU (March 2025)
- With electrification completed along the Tatanagar–Gorumahisani–Badampahar line, diesel-based DEMU services were phased out
- From March 2, 2025, South Eastern Railway launched the MEMU Passenger service:
- Train 08153 (Tatanagar → Badampahar): Departs 18:00 hrs, arrives 21:05 hrs.
- Train 08154 (Badampahar → Tatanagar): Departs 21:15 hrs, reaches 23:30 hrs on the same day
🧾 3. Service Summary: DEMU → MEMU
| Service Type | Train Nos. | Route | Departure (from Tatanagar) | Arrival (Badampahar) | Departure (Return) | Arrival (Tatanagar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEMU | 78031 / 78032 | Tatanagar ↔ Badampahar | 06:00 AM → ~10:15 AM | ~10:15 AM | 10:30 AM | ~14:40 PM |
| MEMU | 08153 / 08154 | Tatanagar ↔ Badampahar | 18:00 PM → 21:05 PM | 21:05 PM | 21:15 PM | 23:30 PM |
🚉 4. Route, Halts & Operational Details
- The route spans approx. 107 km with eight commercial halts including Haludpukur, Sidhirsai, Bahalda Road, Gorumahisani, Aunlajori, Rairangpur, Kuldiha, Chhanua, and the terminals
- MEMU helps boost connectivity in Jharkhand–Odisha border region, especially benefiting residents heavily dependent on daytime and evening travel for livelihood and education
🏗️ 5. Significance & Developments
- The MEMU service improves accessibility for underserved tribal regions, connecting people directly to Tatanagar on the major Howrah–Mumbai trunk corridor
- Electrification also enables smoother operations, reduced fuel cost, and quicker turnaround.
- Longer-term plans include doubling the single line and potentially extending connections towards Keonjhar and Bangriposi, to further enhance socio-economic integration
👥 6. Passenger Feedback & Operation Notes
- Reddit users have reported persistent issues with priority and timing, as SER frequently deprioritizes passenger services in favor of freight traffic—sometimes causing delays of 6+ hours
- Both DEMU and MEMU offer unreserved Second Seating (2S) only—so passengers are advised to reach early during evening services.
✅ Summary
- DEMU services (Trains 78031/78032): Launched February 2025, operated early morning services between Tatanagar and Badampahar.
- MEMU services (Trains 08153/08154): Introduced March 2025 after line electrification, running evening return services.
- Route distance: ~107 km with ~8 halts.
- Frequency: Daily, six days a week.
- Key benefit: Enhanced regional connectivity for eastern Jharkhand and adjacent Odisha districts.
Would you like a detailed station-wise timetable, travel/fare info, or an estimate of current punctuality on this service?