Patna: Rail travel in Bihar is set for a major upgrade, with the East Central Railway planning to add third and fourth railway lines along the DDU-Patna-Jhajha route to ease congestion and reduce train delays.
A 227-km stretch between DDU Junction and Danapur is expected to receive final approval this month. The East Central Railway has submitted a proposal to the Railway Board seeking funds for the project, with Cabinet approval expected next week, according to officials.
The proposed expansion is expected to benefit nearly 7 lakh passengers in and around Patna, Buxar and Ara by reducing delays caused by congestion on the existing rail network.
Rs 17,000-crore project to add 400 km of rail lines
The larger plan envisages laying around 400 km of third and fourth railway lines from DDU through Patna to Jhajha at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 17,000 crore.
The additional tracks are expected to reduce traffic pressure on the existing network and create capacity for more than 50 new trains. Daily passengers using Patna Junction, Danapur, Rajendra Nagar Terminal and Patna City stations are expected to benefit from shorter waiting and travel times.
Danapur-Fatuha section gets approval
The Railway Board has already approved the construction of third and fourth lines along the approximately 29-km Danapur-Fatuha section.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 976 crore, and a tender for selecting the construction agency is expected to be issued by December.
Once completed, the multi-tracking project is expected to significantly improve the capacity of the Patna rail network by easing congestion and allowing trains to operate at higher speeds with fewer delays.
New rail line planned between Bakhtiyarpur and Fatuha
A new 24-km railway line between Bakhtiyarpur and Fatuha is also planned at an estimated cost of around Rs 931 crore.
The Railway Board has formally approved the acquisition of 6.6 hectares of land for the project. The East Central Railway is expected to begin the land acquisition process soon, while the tender for the construction work is scheduled to be issued in October.
Bakhtiyarpur-Pandarak line also planned
Another 30-km railway line between Bakhtiyarpur and Pandarak is planned at an estimated cost of Rs 392 crore.
Approval has been granted for the acquisition of one hectare of land and the construction work for the project.
Together, the proposed projects are aimed at expanding rail capacity in Bihar, reducing congestion on key routes and improving the punctuality and speed of passenger and long-distance trains.
