Patna: Plans are under consideration to develop a new coaching complex in either Biharsharif or Sheikhpura to strengthen maintenance infrastructure for trains operating on the Gaya route, railway officials have said. A parallel proposal has also been sent to the Railway Board for a modern coaching depot at Fatuha, estimated to cost around Rs 495 crore.
Briefing reporters on Tuesday on the performance of the Danapur Railway Division for 2025–26, Divisional Railway Manager Vinod Kumar said several major infrastructure projects are scheduled for implementation in the coming months.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 22 stations are set to be redeveloped at a cost of Rs 513.61 crore. The division is also planning third and fourth railway lines between Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction and Jhajha.
A dual-track railway bridge over the Ganga at Mokama is expected to be operational by June, officials said.
Vinod Kumar said the division has recorded “significant progress” in operations. A 17.47-km line between Asthawan and Sarsa Jamalpur has been completed, enabling services on the Biharsharif–Sheikhpura section.
To meet demand, 518 pairs of special trains were introduced and 2,262 additional coaches attached to existing services. The division has also launched 52 new trains, including Namo Bharat, Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat services, and ensured stoppages at 77 stations following rising passenger demand.
Pendulum passenger trains introduced on the Patna–Buxar and Danapur–Jhajha routes have become popular with daily commuters, officials added.
On revenue, the Danapur division reported earnings of Rs 2,362.63 crore in 2025–26, a 4.39% rise year-on-year. Passenger revenue stood at Rs 1,978.91 crore, freight at Rs 162.71 crore, and other coaching income at Rs 178.65 crore.
Crackdowns on ticketless travel resulted in fines of Rs 62.45 crore from 12.85 lakh passengers.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Abhinav Siddharth said passenger facilities have been expanded, including lifts and escalators at Patna Junction.
At Ara Depot, the division has begun work on a machine-learning based server system and IoT integration for coaches.
Under green initiatives, 90,000 saplings were planted and solar energy use generated savings of more than Rs 35 lakh.
Healthcare services at Danapur Railway Hospital have been upgraded with digital X-rays, ultrasound and CBC testing facilities.
Officials also said a 24×7 war room now monitors operations across the division, alongside staff training programmes aimed at improving passenger service.
