Buxar: The engineering department of East Central Railway has initiated plans to construct a new bypass rail line aimed at reducing congestion at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction and improving operational efficiency.
An e-tender has been issued for the construction of a broad gauge line connecting the East Outer Cabin (EOC) of the DDU–Danapur section with the Flyover Cabin (FOC) of the DDU–Gaya line. The proposed 2.666km stretch is expected to cost around Rs 11.58 crore and will be completed within six months of commencement.
The project is designed to provide seamless connectivity from Buxar to Gaya via Bhabua Road and Sasaram, with a key focus on facilitating coal transport to the thermal power plant in Buxar. Freight trains arriving from routes such as Garhwa or Gaya will be able to bypass the busy DDU yard, eliminating the need for engine reversals and reducing delays.
Officials said trains would be able to move directly from Ganj Khwaja to Kuchman through the bypass, easing operational bottlenecks. The line is expected to significantly cut congestion at DDU Junction, where around 175 passenger trains and 150 freight trains operate daily.
The bypass will directly benefit the thermal power plant at Chausa in Buxar district by enabling uninterrupted coal supply. Freight trains carrying coal from Dhanbad will no longer need to enter the main yard at DDU Junction, allowing faster and more efficient delivery.
A similar rail arrangement is also being developed on other sections to streamline coal movement to the plant, reflecting broader efforts to improve logistics for energy infrastructure. The Buxar Thermal Power Station, a 1320MW project, relies heavily on consistent coal supply and is expected to consume significant quantities daily once fully operational.
Railway officials said the new line would also provide an alternative route in emergencies, allowing trains to be diverted towards Patna or Gaya sections without disrupting mainline operations.
Experts believe the project could improve regional connectivity, potentially enabling new local train services linking Buxar, Sasaram, Gaya, Jehanabad, Bihta and Ara, benefiting multiple districts across Bihar.
