Madhupur–Giridih–Koderma line

Giridih railway station was built as a railway siding in 1871 by the British government in India (prior to the India's independence in 1947) mainly for transport of mineral reserve from the region. The contract for the railway siding was awarded in 1865 and the construction was completed in 1871.[2] The siding is owned by Central Coalfields Limited.[3]

A 110 km (68 mi) track from Koderma to Maheshmunda was constructed. This extended the Madhupur–Giridih railway line to Koderma, effectively making it a Madhupur–Giridih–Koderma line. A new railway station was built in Giridih named as New Giridih railway station (NGRH) which leaves out the already existing Giridih railway station (GRD) on this route, also making Maheshmunda a junction station. On 16 February 2019, Eastern Railway in its press-release announced a passenger train service w.e.f. 25 February 2019 from Koderma to Madhupur via New Giridih. Onward journey duration is of 4 hours and 5 minutes while the return journey duration is 4 hours and 25 minutes. Eastern Railway also announced another passenger train service w.e.f. 25 February 2019 from Koderma to Maheshmunda Junction through the same press-release. Onward journey duration is of 3 hours while the return journey duration is 3 hours and 10 minutes.[4]

Madhupur–Giridih–Koderma line was completely electrified in October 2020.

There are plans from the Railways ministry to connect New Giridih with Parasnath via Madhuban, for the convenience of the Jain pilgrims visiting Shikharji.[5] The foundation for the construction of new Parasnath–New Giridih rail line was laid in 2019. The 47 km-long railway line would incur a cost of Rs 972 crore on its construction and will have two crossing stations and a couple of halts. The cost of the project would be borne by the central and the state government in 50:50 ratio and a target has been set to complete the project by 2023.

There are other proposals as well to connect New Giridih with Dhanbad via Tundi and Govindpur,[6] and with Jhajha via Bengabad, Chakai and Sono. The first phase of the Jhajha–New Giridih rail line involves 20-km long Jhajha–Batia section, the foundation for which was laid in 2019 and which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 496 crore.

A final location survey for 7.54 km-long Madhupur bypass line was sanctioned in February 2020 after construction of which trains from Jasidih can run up to Giridih and Koderma without loco reversal at Madhupur. A delay of more than 30 minutes for an engine change at Madhupur will thus be avoided. The estimated cost of the linking project is Rs 281 crore.

Following is the list of stations that are on Madhupur–Koderma route via New Giridih.[7]

Single passenger train run five times a day between Madhupur Junction–Giridih. The train service on Madhupur–Giridih rail route started in 1871. The passenger trains are run by Eastern Railway zone. The trains run five times daily except Thursdays and four times on Thursday.[8] The bogies of the express trains are attached to the passenger trains for movement in the Madhupur–Giridih route. Following are the trains arriving and departing from Giridih.[9][10]

After the construction of Koderma–Maheshmunda section in 2019, new passenger trains were started on this route which are run by East Central Railway. Following are the trains running on this route via New Giridih.

• Indian Railways
• Giridih
• Giridih district

• India Rail Info
• Erail

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