Araria/Patna: The first spell of heavy rain has reportedly raised concerns over the condition of a section of Bihar’s Araria-Galgalia new railway line, where soil erosion has been noticed close to the track near a railway bridge in Araria.
The affected location is near BR-5 bridge in Ward No. 7 of Hridaypur, Araria Court. According to local residents, rainwater has washed away soil around the railway embankment and supporting structures, creating deep ‘rain cuts’ barely a few feet from the railway track. Cracks have also reportedly been noticed around the bridge structure.
The Araria-Galgalia project is a strategically important railway link connecting Araria with Kishanganj and providing improved rail connectivity towards northeastern Bihar. Railway and government records put the revised cost of the project at around Rs 4,410 crore. The 110.75-km broad-gauge line completed its statutory safety inspection in July 2025, paving the way for train operations.
Deep Rain Cut Close to Railway Track
The latest concern relates to the condition of the soil around the bridge and track following heavy rainfall. Local residents say water erosion has created deep cuts in the embankment, with the affected portion reportedly located very close to the railway track.
Residents have also pointed to cracks around the bridge and signs of soil settlement on the approach sections. A report by Prabhat Khabar similarly said cracks were visible around the pillars and slab of BR-5 and that erosion and settlement had been noticed near the approaches after recent rain.
The development has prompted questions about the condition of the embankment, drainage arrangements and protection measures around the railway structure, particularly during the monsoon.
Locals Seek Immediate Safety Inspection
Local residents have expressed concern that continued erosion could weaken the soil supporting the track if the affected area is not addressed quickly.
Residents Amit Shah and Bhupen Yadav reportedly raised concerns over the cracks and soil erosion near the bridge. They have sought timely repair and inspection, saying that ignoring the issue could create a bigger safety concern in the future.
Ward No. 7 councillor Shyam Kumar Mandal has also urged the railway authorities to inspect the location and take necessary action. Residents have called for more than temporary soil filling, demanding proper restoration of the embankment and adequate drainage arrangements.
Demand for Safety Audit of Rail Section
Following the incident, local residents have called for a technical inspection of the affected location as well as other bridges and embankments along the Araria-Galgalia railway section.
They have demanded a safety audit of bridges and embankments to determine whether similar erosion or structural concerns exist elsewhere on the route. They have also sought action if any technical or construction shortcomings are established during the inspection.
Experts would need to assess the cause of the cracks and erosion before any conclusion can be drawn about construction quality. Proper drainage, slope protection and strengthening of the affected embankment may be necessary depending on the findings of the technical assessment.
Railway Officials Promise Inspection and Repairs
According to the report, Araria-Katihar rail section DACM Anup Singh has acknowledged receiving information about the affected location. He said an inspection would be conducted and necessary repair work would be undertaken after assessment.
The Araria-Galgalia line is among the major recently completed railway infrastructure projects in Bihar. The Ministry of Railways lists the new line as a 110-km project, while the Northeast Frontier Railway describes the route as a 110.75-km broad-gauge line.
The immediate focus is now on determining the extent of the erosion, the condition of the bridge and whether the railway track and its supporting embankment have been affected.
The incident has also renewed attention on the need for effective drainage and monsoon protection around major railway infrastructure. For now, local residents are waiting for the railway authorities to inspect the site and clarify whether the reported cracks and erosion pose any operational safety risk.
