In an effort to improve passenger services and address mounting concerns over train delays, South Eastern Railway (SER) has appointed a dedicated Public Relations Inspector (PRI) at Tatanagar railway station on a permanent basis.

The move follows growing public dissatisfaction over frequent disruptions to passenger train operations due to freight prioritisation across the division.

Commercial Inspector Abir Mishra has been assigned the role, with responsibilities that include monitoring train movements, tracking arrivals and departures, overseeing MEMU services, coordinating passenger grievance redressal, and maintaining communication with commuters, railway user groups and the media.

The decision comes in the backdrop of increasing criticism from passengers and public representatives regarding the impact of freight traffic on passenger train punctuality.

During a recent visit to Tatanagar, SER General Manager Anil Kumar Jain assured that passenger trains would no longer be subjected to prolonged halts to facilitate freight train movement.

His remarks came after concerns were raised about passengers spending several hours on journeys that should take significantly less time.

The newly appointed PRI will closely monitor operations on the Kharagpur-Tatanagar, Chakradharpur-Tatanagar and Chandil-Tatanagar sections to ensure passenger services are not adversely affected by freight operations.

The officer will also conduct awareness campaigns on passenger safety and cleanliness while collecting feedback for service improvements.

Railway officials have acknowledged the operational challenges behind the delays.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Aditya Kumar Choudhary cited ongoing non-interlocking works, the absence of a third railway line on critical stretches and speed restrictions imposed in forest areas due to elephant movement as key factors affecting punctuality.