Patna: Indian Railways has approved a Rs 976 crore multi-tracking project for the 29-km Danapur–Fatuha section of the East Central Railway in Bihar. The project is aimed at easing congestion on one of the busiest stretches of the Patna rail corridor and increasing the capacity for passenger and freight movement.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the project includes the construction of additional rail lines across three sections to improve operational efficiency and reduce delays.
Additional Rail Lines Planned
The approved work comprises three components:
- Construction of third and fourth railway lines between Danapur and Patna.
- Construction of a third railway line between Rajendra Nagar and Patna Sahib.
- Construction of third and fourth railway lines between Patna Sahib and Fatuha.
The ministry said the additional lines will help decongest the Patna region, improve punctuality, and enhance the overall reliability of train operations.
Capacity to Increase for Passenger and Freight Services
Indian Railways said the project will enable the operation of 22 additional passenger trains and 18 additional freight trains each day during its first year of operation.
The upgraded section is also expected to increase freight handling capacity by 5.2 million tonnes per annum, supporting growing transportation demand across the region.
Part of Larger Rail Corridor Upgrade
The Danapur–Fatuha project forms part of the broader plan to develop quadruple-line rail infrastructure along the Delhi–Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction–Patna–Kiul–Bhagalpur–Khana–Howrah route.
The corridor is an important freight network for transporting energy, minerals and cement. The ministry said strengthening this route will improve logistics efficiency and support future industrial growth.
Support for Chausa Thermal Power Plant
The upgraded rail section will also play a key role in serving the upcoming 2,120 MW thermal power plant at Chausa in Buxar district, which is expected to depend on rail transport for the movement of large volumes of raw materials.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the project reflects Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to expand capacity on high-density routes, improve freight logistics and support Bihar’s socio-economic development.
