Chhapra/Patna:The proposed fourth railway line between Chhapra in Bihar and Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh has moved a step closer to implementation after the Railway Board approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project.
Railway officials said the approval has cleared the way for further formalities, including budgetary clearance, before construction work can be taken up on a larger scale.
The project covers a rail corridor of approximately 425 kilometres and is expected to enhance capacity on one of the busiest railway routes in northern India.
Congestion on a key rail corridor
Barabanki Junction is a major railway hub connecting routes towards Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Gonda and Varanasi.
According to railway officials, around 90 passenger and freight trains operate daily on the Barabanki–Gorakhpur section. Limited track capacity often leads to delays, with trains required to wait for signal clearance and track availability.
The proposed expansion is intended to address these operational constraints and improve the movement of both passenger and freight services.
Survey completed, construction planning underway
Railway sources said surveys for the fourth line have been completed and the DPR prepared by the North Eastern Railway has received approval from the Railway Board.
Officials said construction planning is now being aligned with the ongoing third-line expansion work on the route.
In several stretches, the third and fourth lines are expected to be developed simultaneously, reducing the need for repeated traffic blocks and minimising disruption to train operations.
Capacity expected to increase
Once completed, the project will provide two tracks each for up and down traffic, allowing trains to operate more efficiently and reducing bottlenecks on the corridor.
Railway authorities believe the additional capacity will help improve punctuality and support future growth in passenger and freight traffic.
Benefits for trade and freight movement
Officials said the project is expected to benefit not only railway passengers but also businesses and industries across Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Improved rail infrastructure could facilitate faster movement of goods, supporting traders, farmers and industrial units that rely on railway freight services.
Third-line work already underway
According to railway officials, work on the third line has already been completed on approximately 81 kilometres of the Chhapra–Barabanki route, while construction is continuing on other sections.
The Railways is now preparing to advance fourth-line development alongside the remaining third-line work wherever feasible.
Railway official outlines progress
North Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Kumar said the process for constructing the third and fourth lines between Chhapra and Barabanki is progressing in phases.
He said construction is underway on some sections, surveys have been completed in others, and survey work is continuing on the remaining stretches.
The project is expected to play a significant role in strengthening rail connectivity and operational efficiency across the region once all approvals and construction stages are completed.
