Patna: The Central Government has approved the construction of a third railway line between Kiul Junction and Jhajha Railway Station in Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 961 crore.
The 54-kilometre railway line forms part of the larger DDU-Jhajha railway corridor project, with construction work expected to begin shortly.
Sharing the information on Tuesday, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the project.
‘Major Gift for Bihar Rail Passengers’
Samrat Chaudhary described the project as a major boost for Bihar’s railway infrastructure and economic development.
According to the Chief Minister, the new rail line is expected to:
- Improve rail traffic movement
- Reduce congestion
- Support industrial and commercial activity
- Strengthen Bihar’s economic growth
He also shared a letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirming approval for the project.
In the letter, the Railway Minister stated that approval had been granted for the construction of the third railway line between Kiul and Jhajha “for the benefit of the public”.
Rs 961 Crore Allocation for Track, Electrification and Signalling
Officials said the total project cost stands at Rs 961.71 crore.
The expenditure includes:
- Rs 663.04 crore for railway track laying and flyover construction
- Rs 76 crore for electrification and traction systems
- Rs 221.63 crore for signalling and telecommunication infrastructure
Part of Larger DDU-Jhajha Corridor Expansion
The Kiul-Jhajha third line is part of the larger railway expansion project between Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction and Jhajha.
Under the broader corridor expansion:
- Third and fourth railway lines are being constructed between DDU and Kiul
- A dedicated third line will now also be added between Kiul and Jhajha
The overall DDU-Jhajha expansion project spans approximately 400 kilometres and carries an estimated cost of around Rs 17,000 crore.
Relief Expected on Delhi-Howrah Route
Railway officials said the project would help reduce congestion on the busy Delhi-Howrah rail corridor.
According to authorities, the addition of new lines will:
- Reduce train delays
- Minimise waiting time outside stations
- Create separate tracks for passenger and freight trains
- Increase freight train speeds
Officials added that improved freight movement could further support industrial growth and economic activity in the region.
