Sudhir Mahto and Subodh Kant Sahay at Bakarkudi. Telegraph picture

Jamshedpur, June 18: Deputy chief minister Sudhir Mahto today inaugurated a halt station at Bakarkudi in Ichagarh block of Seraikela-Kharsawan district.

He was accompanied by Union food processing minister Subodh Kant Sahay, who was the chief guest. Other senior railway officials of Ranchi division, including divisional railway manager A.K. Dutta, was also present.

It has been a long pending demand of the local people for a railway halt at Bakarkudi , about 60km from the city. With the inauguration of the halt station, the passengers would not have to travel to Tiruldih, about 20km away.

Sahay said the railway halt would prove a boon for the people of the locality, especially the commuters. Sahay also stressed the need for proper implementation of various government schemes, including NREGA.

The deputy chief minister said efforts would be made to implement a double line in that railway zone so that frequency of trains could be increased. Mahto, who is also a legislator from Ichagarh, said he would soon take up the issue of extending the Tata-Ranchi MEMU till Chakulia with the railway authorities.

“Numerous passengers from Chakulia travel on the MEMU train. At present, they are required to come to Tatanagar to board the train. Their problem would be solved if the train is extended till Chakulia,” said Mahto.

Mahto also stressed the need for improving passenger amenities in different railway stations, both under Ranchi and Chakradharpur divisions.

Soon after the inauguration of the halt station, both Mahto and Sahay, jointly flagged off the Tata-Ranchi MEMU train from Bakarkudi. The railway officials assured that all necessary facilities would be provided to the passengers.