Pawapuri/Nawada: The survey work for the proposed railway section between Pawapuri Road Halt and Nawada, a key project under the East Central Railway, is now in its final stage. The Google Earth survey has been completed, while the drone survey is expected to conclude by May 10. Senior railway officials confirmed that once the drone survey is complete, the final alignment will be decided, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared by May 30 for submission to the Railway Board.
The proposed 34-kilometer railway line is seen as a crucial link connecting major sites in the Buddhist and Jain circuits, including Nalanda, Nawada, and Pawapuri — the Mahaparinirvana site of Lord Mahavir. Officials believe that the project will significantly boost tourism and local economic development.
Earlier Attempts and Renewed Focus
A survey for this section was initially conducted in 2022, and a DPR was submitted to the Railway Board. However, the project did not progress due to various reasons. With a renewed provision in the latest Union Budget, the survey work has picked up pace.
“Due to time constraints, multiple teams are working simultaneously to complete the survey on schedule,” said Divyendu Bhattacharya, Project Manager of City Engineering Testing Kolkata, the agency overseeing the survey.
Economic and Tourism Prospects
Experts believe that the new railway line will double passenger numbers by 2042 and significantly enhance access to key religious and historical sites.
“After the survey, soil testing will be conducted, followed by the preparation of the DPR,” said Anil Kumar, Chief Engineer of East Central Railway. “We are paying close attention to ensure that the new railway line is both beneficial and easily accessible to the public.”
Project Engineer Shashikant Pranay added, “With this railway line, railway revenues will rise, and residents of Nalanda and Nawada districts will see direct benefits. It will also make travel easier, more affordable, and more accessible for tourists from India and abroad.”
Project Details at a Glance
- Total Estimated Length: 34 km
- Portion in Nalanda District: 16–17 km
- Portion in Nawada District: 17–18 km
- Estimated Cost (based on 2022 survey): ₹1,007.58 crore (may increase)
- Proposed Stations and Halts: Pawapuri Road, Nanand (Halt), Adampur, Samai, Nawada
- Capacity: Load capacity of more than 25 tonnes
Local Impact and Future Prospects
The project is expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy by creating self-employment opportunities for residents, boosting tourism, and improving regional connectivity.
Currently, three railway sections operate in Nalanda district — Bakhtiyarpur–Tilaiya, Bihar Sharif–Daniyawan, and Fatuha–Islampur — while the Bihar Sharif–Barbigha–Sheikhpura railway line is nearing completion. The addition of the Pawapuri–Nawada line will further strengthen the rail network in the region.
With historic sites, religious significance, and tourism opportunities at its core, the Pawapuri-Nawada railway project is poised to become a lifeline for the region’s development.
