Shri Piyush Goyal dedicates Hansdiha-Godda New Line in Jharkhand
Shri Piyush Goyal also flags off Godda- New Delhi Humsafar special train from Godda
“With this new Hansdiha-Godda Rail line, the area would develop at a faster pace generating more employment opportunities, in future, Kisan Rail may be started to send the produce of farmers from this area”- Shri Goyal
Ensuring all round progress of Jharkhand, Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal today dedicated Hansdiha-Godda New Line to the Nation and flagged off Godda- New Delhi Humsafar special train through video conferencing. This new line will benefit in better transportation facility, cost effective and quicker movement of commodities and will give impetus to social-economic development in Dumka & Godda in Jharkhand. During the event, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Shri Suneet Sharma and other dignitaries were present virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “Jharkhand is famous for minerals and many holy places, Indian Railways is contributing in turning its potential to reality. This project Hansdiha-Godda was approved in 2025, however no progress was made until 2025. In 2025 when Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed the projects, it was disclosed that land was not acquired for this project. Upon the direction of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a swift progress was made on this new line project. Till now, this project has attracted an investment of Rs 550 Cr. With this new Hansdiha-Godda Rail line, the area would develop at a faster pace generating more employment opportunities, in future, Kisan Rail may be started to send the produce of farmers from this area.”
Shri Goyal also added that presently 36 Rail projects are being executed in Jharkhand with the investment of Rs 20,000 Cr. He expressed that Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor which passes through Jharkhand would provide impetus to the economy of the state.
Indian Railways strives towards providing new infrastructure, enhancing capacity of its network and providing better facilities to the esteemed customers. Towards this goal, Indian Railways has commissioned Hansidiha – Godda new line projects in Jharkhand. Total expenditure of Rs.663 crores has been spent for the development of infrastructure work and providing passenger amenities in the State of Jharkhand.
Commissioning of Hansdiha – Godda new line remained a long pending demand of common people of Jharkhand. This will accelerate infrastructure building and connectivity enhancement for this part of State. Total length of the new line project is 32 km, which runs through Godda and Dumka districts of Jharkhand. Total No. of stations in the new line project of Jharkhand is five – Hansdiha, Gangwara, Poreyahat, Kathwan and Godda. Infrastructure development and passenger amenities have been augmented in all the five stations. The speed potential of this 32 km new stretch is 120 km per hour. While commissioning the new line project, two major bridges and thirty-three minor bridges have been constructed.
Hansdiha-Godda Railway line is a Coal Priority Project and Railways taken all possible steps for speedy completion of the project keeping in view the movement of industrial inputs like coal and rapid development of business and industries as well as employment generation in Jharkhand.
Further, introduction of train services in this new line will benefit commuters to proceed to Capital of India i.e. Delhi. Introduction of this new superfast Humsafar Express train from Godda to New Delhi will facilitate passengers’ comfortable journey to New Delhi via Bhagalpur.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Godda–New Delhi Humsafar Express, including its introduction, current status, and service details:
Contents
🚄 Introduction & Launch (April 2025)
- On April 8, 2025, Indian Railways inaugurated a Humsafar Special Express (train no. 02307) between Godda (Jharkhand) and New Delhi. The train was flagged off by then Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, coinciding with the commissioning of the Hansdiha–Godda new line, aimed at enhancing connectivity for Jharkhand’s Godda, Dumka, and parts of Bihar such as Bhagalpur and Banka
- This inaugural ran as a special, replacing the previous train 02349/02350, and was later regularized
🕒 Regular Service: Godda ↔ New Delhi (Train Nos. 12349 / 12350)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Train Numbers | 12349 (Godda → NDLS), 12350 (New Delhi → Godda) |
| Frequency | Weekly: 12349 runs Mondays, 12350 runs Tuesdays |
| Distance | ~1,323 km |
| Journey Time | ~22 h 45 min (average speed ~58 km/h including halts) |
| Route & Halts | Stops at ~15 stations: Hansdiha, Mandar Hill, Barahat, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Sasaram, Pt. DD Upadhyaya, Prayagraj, Kanpur, etc. |
| Coach Class | Fully 3-tier AC (3A) with LHB Humsafar coaches, onboard pantry, vending machines, LED displays, bio-toilets, CCTV |
| Operator | East Central Railway zone |
As of mid-2025, the train remains active under the 12349/12350 numbering. The older “special” designation (02307 / 02349) has been discontinued on public info sites
🧠 Key Highlights & Notes
- This Humsafar Express marked Godda’s first direct rail link to Delhi, realized after the opening of the Hansdiha–Godda stretch
- Operates once weekly in each direction. Departing Godda on Mondays around 15:00, arriving New Delhi around 12:45–12:50 PM the next day. For the return leg, departs New Delhi around 23:45 on Tuesdays, arriving Godda approximately 22:30 next day
🔄 Community Feedback & Common Challenges
- While Humsafar Express trains are marketed for modern amenities, some users have reported operational issues such as delays and maintenance problems:
“Special trains are more late than normal express trains… they are given freight route and often delayed”
- Overall service quality varies across routes; some users praise reliability, while others mention hygiene issues and timing delays
✅ Summary
- The Godda–New Delhi Humsafar Express was introduced in April 2025 as a special to inaugurate rail connectivity for Godda.
- Since then, it has been regularized under train nos. 12349/12350, operating weekly in both directions.
- It offers full AC-3 tier comfort, onboard catering, and modern facilities typical of Humsafar trains
If you’d like help with PNR status, seat availability, or onward train connections from New Delhi, I’d be happy to help!