Patna: Neura-Daniyawan rail line has entered its final stage before the commencement of train operations, with railway authorities completing most of the technical and operational requirements. The section now awaits inspection and approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), which is mandatory before commercial services can begin.
According to railway officials, station masters have been posted at the newly developed stations, while the Automatic Interlocking (AI) system linked to signalling and telecommunications has been commissioned. Track infrastructure, signalling systems and passenger amenities are also in place.
Project Completed in Two Phases
The Neura-Daniyawan rail project has been developed in two phases: an 18-km stretch between Neura and Jat Dumri, and a 24-km section from Jat Dumri to Daniyawan.
Train services are already operating on the Jat Dumri-Daniyawan section. Officials said construction work on the Neura-Jat Dumri stretch has also been completed, paving the way for the entire route to become operational after the CRS inspection.
The new line begins alongside the existing railway network near the Neura railway crossing before extending towards the southeast.
The 38-km Daniyawan-Bihar Sharif section, which forms part of the same project, is already operational. Once the Neura-Jat Dumri segment opens, Bihar Sharif will receive a direct rail connection with the main railway line.
Safety Clearance Pending
Railway authorities said the CRS inspection will assess the quality of tracks, bridges, culverts, signalling systems, level crossings and other safety infrastructure before granting permission for regular operations.
Officials said train services on the new section are expected to begin after the inspection is completed and all safety standards are cleared.
Relief for Congested Rail Network
The commissioning of the Neura-Daniyawan rail line is expected to strengthen the rail network under the Danapur Railway Division by providing an alternative route to the heavily used Patna Junction and Patna-Rajendranagar sections.
Railway officials said the new corridor will allow several trains to bypass congested stretches, improving punctuality and increasing operational flexibility.
The route is also expected to play an important role in freight movement. Diverting goods trains to the new line will create additional capacity for passenger services on existing routes.
Improved Connectivity for Bihar Sharif and Rajgir
The project is expected to improve rail connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Bihar Sharif, Rajgir and surrounding districts.
Once operational, the line could facilitate the introduction of MEMU and Intercity services connecting Ara or Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction directly with Bihar Sharif and Rajgir, reducing dependence on routes passing through Patna.
The alternative corridor will also make travel between Bihar Sharif and Rajgir more convenient while offering greater operational flexibility during disruptions on the Patna-Kiul main line.
Benefits for Freight and Local Economy
According to railway officials, most freight trains are expected to be shifted to the Neura-Daniyawan route after commissioning, reducing congestion on the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction-Howrah main line and allowing higher operating speeds for passenger trains.
The corridor is also expected to improve freight movement to the NTPC plant at Barh, the under-construction thermal power project near Buxar and the railway yard being developed at Kulharia.
Officials said the project will improve connectivity for residents of Neura, Daniyawan and nearby rural areas, making travel easier for commuters, students, workers and traders. The line is also expected to support local trade, agricultural transport and small-scale industries while providing an alternative route during disruptions on the existing network.
