Rohtas: A rail wagon repair factory costing more than Rs 400 crore is set to be built in Dalmianagar in Bihar’s Rohtas district, in a move expected to generate thousands of jobs and revive the region’s industrial base.
The project, approved under the 2026-27 rail budget, will be developed across 219 acres and is being led by Indian Railways in collaboration with RITES Limited. Officials from the Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) railway division have initiated formal procedures, with work expected to begin soon.
Railway authorities estimate the cost of the project at Rs 403.20 crore. A senior divisional official said the facility is expected to become a significant employment hub, particularly for young people in the state who have long faced limited local opportunities.
Beyond direct employment, the factory is likely to stimulate ancillary industries in the surrounding area. Small and medium enterprises, including welding units, spare parts manufacturing and painting workshops, are expected to emerge alongside the facility, potentially boosting the local economy and attracting further investment.
Dalmianagar was once a major industrial centre but saw a sharp decline after key factories shut down in 1984. Efforts to revive industrial activity date back nearly two decades, with land acquired in 2007 and a foundation stone laid in 2009. However, construction stalled for years.
The renewed push marks a fresh attempt to restore the area’s manufacturing significance. Plans also include the construction of a railway flyover and a new track linking the factory site to Pahlejwa station, aimed at ensuring efficient movement of wagons for repair.
Local residents and traders have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the long-delayed project will finally translate into sustained economic activity and employment in the region.
