New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat railway line, a 177 km stretch spanning Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, at an estimated cost of Rs 3,169 crore.
The expansion is expected to significantly improve line capacity, cutting congestion and ensuring more reliable services on one of Indian Railways’ busiest corridors. Officials said the doubling will also support freight movement of coal, cement, fertilisers and construction materials, with an estimated 15 million tonnes per annum of additional capacity.
✅Cabinet Approved Doubling of #Bhagalpur– #Dumka– #Rampurhat railway line across #Bihar, #Jharkhand & #WestBengal.
🛤️ length: 177 km
💰 Cost: ₹3,169 Cr🙏 Enhances connectivity to Deoghar, Tarapith & other key destinations.
🔗 https://t.co/K7ij8EdL5h#CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/lJU6GHDfZZ
— PIB in Bihar (@PIB_Patna) September 10, 2025
The project, part of the PM Gati Shakti master plan, will serve around 28.7 lakh people across 441 villages, including three aspirational districts – Banka, Godda and Dumka. Pilgrimage hubs such as Deoghar’s Baba Baidyanath Dham and Tarapith in West Bengal will also benefit from improved rail access.
Railways officials said the doubling will help cut oil imports by 5 crore litres and lower carbon emissions by 24 crore kg annually, equivalent to planting one crore trees.
