Patna: A second four-lane rail bridge is planned at Koilwar in a major infrastructure expansion aimed at easing congestion on one of eastern India’s busiest railway corridors, officials have said.
The project, proposed by the East Central Railway and currently awaiting approval from the Railway Board, would be built parallel to the existing Koilwar rail bridge. If cleared, it would mark the country’s second such four-line rail bridge.
According to preliminary planning, the structure is expected to cost between Rs 3,500 crore and Rs 4,000 crore and will require central government approval before construction can begin.
At present, the existing bridge operates with two railway lines, allowing only one train to pass in each direction at a time. Officials say the proposed expansion would significantly increase capacity, enabling up to three trains to cross simultaneously and reducing bottlenecks on the route.
The expansion is intended to relieve pressure on the Howrah–Patna–DDU railway corridor, a key passenger and freight artery in eastern India.
Railway authorities have also cited broader efforts to increase operational speeds across major routes. A recent trial run saw trains achieving speeds of up to 180 km/h between Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction and Pradhankhanta via Gaya.
In parallel, Indian Railways is developing plans for additional third and fourth railway lines between Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction and Jhajha, with an estimated investment of around Rs 17,000 crore. Work has already been approved for sections between Fatuha and Kiul, with further phases under consideration.
Officials say the Koilwar bridge project forms part of a wider long-term strategy to modernise rail infrastructure and improve capacity on high-density corridors.
