Gaya/Patna: The central government has approved three railway projects aimed at improving connectivity between Bihar and Jharkhand, officials and local representatives said.
The projects include the Gaya–Daltonganj via Rafiganj line, the Gaya–Bodh Gaya–Chatra rail corridor and the Gaya–Nateshwar via Nalanda project.
The approvals are expected to improve rail access for residents of Gaya, Aurangabad, Bodh Gaya and adjoining areas of Jharkhand, where road transport currently remains the primary mode of travel.
Details of approved projects
Aurangabad MP Abhay Kushwaha said the proposed Gaya–Daltonganj via Rafiganj rail line will cover around 136.88km. An allocation of Rs. 44.26 crore has been approved for the project.
The Gaya–Bodh Gaya–Chatra rail project has received approval worth Rs. 551.75 crore, according to officials.
Long-pending projects revived
The Gaya–Daltonganj rail project had earlier been inaugurated years ago by former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, but work on the project did not progress further.
The latest approval has renewed expectations among residents that construction may now move forward.
Broad gauge line planned between Paraiya and Chatra
The railway ministry has also declared the proposed Paraiya–Chatra broad gauge rail line a special railway project and issued a gazette notification.
Under the plan, a 75.1km broad gauge line will be laid between Paraiya in Gaya district and Chatra in Jharkhand. A 4.95km Y-connection towards Kastha is also proposed.
Officials said the project could significantly increase the importance of Paraiya railway station, with the possibility of it being upgraded into a junction in the future.
Survey and DPR process to begin
East Central Railway chief public relations officer Saraswati Chandra said the survey and detailed project report (DPR) process would begin shortly.
The final route alignment and locations of new stations will be decided after the survey process is completed, officials said.
The projects are expected to improve connectivity for students, workers, office-goers and other daily passengers travelling between Bihar and Jharkhand.
