Hajipur: The newly constructed 18-km Asthawan-Barbigha-Sarsa Jamalpur rail section under the Bihar Sharif-Barbigha-Sheikhpura new line project was inspected on Sunday by Sumit Singhal, Safety Commissioner (Railways), Eastern Circle, Kolkata.
The commissioner carried out a detailed inspection of level crossings, bridges, culverts and station infrastructure, including the panel room, relay room and IPS room, by motor trolley between Sarsa Jamalpur and Asthawan. A successful speed trial was also conducted on the section using a special train. Passenger services will begin once the commissioner grants final approval.
Senior railway officials, including Danapur Divisional Railway Manager Vinod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer (Construction/South) Ramashraay Pandey and Chief Project Manager (RVNL) Manoj Kumar Singh, were present during the inspection.
The Bihar Sharif-Asthawan-Sheikhpura new railway project, about 43 km in length, has been completed in three phases. The first phase, a 12.66-km section between Bihar Sharif and Asthawan, was completed in July 2023. The second phase, covering the 12.5-km Sheikhpura-Sarsa Jamalpur section, followed soon after. The latest 18-km section between Asthawan, Barbigha and Sarsa Jamalpur marks the final phase of the project.
Three new stations – Asthawan, Barbigha and Sarsa Jamalpur – have been built as part of the line. Officials said the project is expected to significantly boost connectivity and economic development in Nalanda and Sheikhpura districts.
