Patna: East Central Railway General Manager Chhatrasal Singh conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Patna–Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya–Bandhua–Koderma rail section on Wednesday, reviewing track infrastructure, safety systems and ongoing station redevelopment projects.
During the inspection, Singh carried out a window trailing assessment of the route, examining stations, bridges, culverts, overhead equipment (OHE) systems and track conditions. The inspection focused on the safety and structural integrity of railway assets across the section.
Review of Koderma Station Redevelopment
At Koderma station, the General Manager reviewed the construction of the new station building and assessed passenger facilities being developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Officials briefed him on the progress of the redevelopment works, which aim to modernise station infrastructure and improve passenger amenities.
Footplate Inspection of Coal-Loaded BOBR Rake
Following the route inspection, Singh undertook a footplate inspection during the operation of a coal-loaded BOBRN rake through three tunnels located between the Gajhandi and Gurpa rail sections.
The General Manager travelled in the locomotive and directly observed the movement of the rake through the challenging ghat section. Principal Chief Operations Manager Indu Rani Dubey, Dhanbad Divisional Railway Manager Akhilesh Mishra and other senior railway officials were present during the inspection.
Railway officials said redesigning and dimensional expansion work is underway in the tunnels to facilitate the operation of BOBR rakes in the section.
Boost for Coal Transportation
The operation forms part of East Central Railway’s efforts to improve freight movement in the Gurpa–Gajhandi Ghat section.
Last month, Singh had inspected a trial run involving an empty BOBR rake on the down line of the same section. According to railway officials, the introduction of BOBR rake operations is expected to improve wagon turnaround times for the NTPC power plants at Barh and Barauni.
Officials added that increased rake availability would help support higher loading volumes and enhance freight transportation efficiency.
Inspection at Gaya Junction
The inspection concluded at Gaya Junction, where the General Manager reviewed ongoing station redevelopment works and issued directions to concerned officials.
According to East Central Railway, the redeveloped station building will feature a modern design and upgraded passenger facilities aimed at improving the overall travel experience.
The inspection was conducted as part of East Central Railway’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and monitor the progress of key development projects across its network.
