Kishanganj/Patna: The long-pending Jalalgarh-Kishanganj new railway line project in Seemanchal region may soon move forward again, with the Railway Board and the Northeast Frontier Railway currently carrying out a final assessment of its revised project cost.
The proposed rail line, first approved in 2008-09, has remained stalled for nearly 17 years despite its strategic and economic significance.
Cost revised sharply
The project was originally sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 360 crore during the tenure of former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, who had laid its foundation stone.
However, officials said the cost has now risen significantly due to increased land acquisition expenses and higher construction costs. The revised estimate is said to be around Rs. 1,852 crore.
Route and stations planned
The proposed rail corridor will stretch over 51.632 km, beginning from Jalalgarh Junction and ending in Kishanganj.
The line is expected to pass through Amour, Baisa, Rauta, Khatahat, Mahingaon and Daula. Railway officials said eight new stations are planned along the route to improve passenger accessibility in the region.
Alternative route for trains
Officials said the new line would provide an alternative and shorter route for trains travelling between New Jalpaiguri and Katihar, reducing pressure on the existing Mukuria-Kishanganj rail section.
The corridor is also expected to improve the movement of both passenger and freight trains in the region.
Strategic importance for Northeast access
Beyond transport, the project is being seen as strategically important because it would provide a parallel rail link to the sensitive Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”, which connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country.
Officials said such a route could be useful during emergencies for the movement of defence and security personnel.
Economic boost for farmers
The railway line is also expected to benefit farmers in flood-prone areas such as Amour and Baisa, allowing easier transport of crops including maize, jute and paddy to markets in Siliguri, Kolkata and Delhi.
Local traders and businesses are also likely to gain from lower transport costs and improved rural connectivity.
Centre resumes push
The project was originally approved during the UPA government following efforts by late former Kishanganj MP Mohammed Taslimuddin, but work never began after the foundation stone was laid.
Bihar revenue and land reforms minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said the Union railway ministry is expected to take concrete steps soon to advance the project.
