Patna: In a push to strengthen Bihar’s rail infrastructure, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena has formally written to the Chairman of the Railway Board seeking approval for six critical railway projects, including additional lines, a new rail bridge over the Ganges, and a circular train service on the Budh Circuit Rail Corridor.
In his letter, Meena highlighted Bihar’s high population density—1,388 people per sq km as of 2024, far above the national average—while stressing that railway line density remains significantly lower than the rest of the country. The mismatch, he said, places an enormous strain on the state’s existing transport systems, especially as large sections of the population travel for employment, education, and healthcare.
Key Demands from the State
1. Budh Circuit Circular Train:
A circular train service has been proposed on the existing Patna–Gaya–Tilaiya–Rajgir–Fatuha route, which Meena argued would improve access to pilgrimage sites such as Bodh Gaya and Rajgir and ease commuting for residents in Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nawada, and Nalanda districts.
2. South Bihar Suburban Transport Network:
The letter advocates additional third and fourth lines to connect districts such as Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Bhagalpur, and Lakhisarai to Patna, echoing the suburban train systems seen in Mumbai.
3. North Bihar Suburban Transport Network:
To enhance rail connectivity in northern districts like Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Darbhanga, Meena requested additional rail lines and suburban services between Siwan and Katihar via Hajipur and Barauni.
4. Patna Regional Transport Loop:
A comprehensive loop connecting Fatuha–Bidupur–Hajipur–Sonepur–Patliputra–Patna via a proposed rail bridge across the Ganga was recommended. The infrastructure would support the planned mega coaching terminal and multimodal satellite hubs around the capital.
5. DDU to Kiul High-Density Corridor:
Meena requested expedited approval for third and fourth lines on the DDU–Buxar–Ara–Patna–Kiul corridor, citing rising commuter demand. The state has pledged support for land acquisition and infrastructure adjustment, especially in congested areas such as Gulzarbagh and Patna City.
6. New Ganga Rail Bridge (Ara–Chapra):
A new bridge across the Ganges connecting Ara and Chapra is proposed to improve transit between south and north Bihar. Meena noted that while JP Setu and Rajendra Setu are operational, additional crossings are essential to ease growing rail traffic.
The Chief Secretary assured the Railway Board of full cooperation from the state, including fast-tracked land acquisition and assistance in implementing safety and infrastructure norms.
