Hajipur: The Kiul-Gaya railway doubling project, spanning 124 km, has been successfully completed, with Railway Commissioner of Safety (Eastern Circle), Suvomoy Mitra, inspecting the final section between Nawada and Tilaiya on Wednesday.
Mitra conducted a thorough inspection of the newly constructed double line, including bridges, station buildings, panel rooms, relay rooms, and IPS rooms at Nawada and Tilaiya stations. A successful speed trial was carried out using a special train at 120 km/h. With safety clearance granted, train services on the new double track will commence shortly.
The inspection was attended by Danapur Divisional Railway Manager Jayant Kumar Chaudhary, senior construction officials, and other key railway personnel.
Strategic importance of the Kiul-Gaya project
Kiul and Gaya are crucial railway junctions under East Central Railway’s Danapur and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay divisions. The doubling of this section will significantly reduce congestion on the Grand Chord and Main Line, enhancing train operations and boosting industrial development in the region.
Sanctioned in the 2015-16 financial year with a budget of Rs 1,200 crore, the project is expected to improve train speed and efficiency, benefiting passengers traveling on the Delhi-Howrah route and promoting economic growth in Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nawada, and other districts.
Phased completion of the project
The doubling work was executed in multiple phases:
- December 2019: Manpur-Wazirganj section opened
- September 2022: Wazirganj-Tilaiya section completed
- February 2023: Kiul-Sheikhpura section operational
- September 2023: Sheikhpura-Kashichak section completed
- January 2024: Kashichak-Warisaliganj section opened
- July 2024: Warisaliganj-Nawada section inaugurated
Infrastructure enhancements
As part of the project, several new railway yards have been developed at Paihar, Nawada, Sirari, Wazirganj, Karjara, Karauta Patner, Kashichak, Sheikhpura, Warisaliganj, and Manpur. The 124-km stretch between Kiul and Gaya now includes 32 major bridges and 304 minor bridges.
