Patna: The new double-line rail bridge over the Ganges at Mokama began operations early Monday, with the Mahananda Express becoming the first train to cross it at 1.40am. According to railway officials, the train crossed the bridge at approximately 90 km/h.
The bridge, designed to accommodate speeds of up to 140 km/h, adds two rail lines alongside the existing Rajendra Setu. Its commissioning is expected to increase rail traffic capacity and improve the movement of passenger and freight trains across the river.
Three Rail Lines Now Available
Built parallel to the Rajendra Setu, the new bridge is located about 50 metres towards the Patna side. The existing bridge will continue to handle train operations, taking the total number of rail lines across the Ganges on this section to three.
The additional lines are expected to provide greater flexibility in managing train movements and reduce disruptions caused by trains waiting to cross the river.
Bridge Cleared After Two-Day Safety Inspection
Guru Prakash, Commissioner of Railway Safety for the Eastern Circle, Kolkata, conducted a two-day safety inspection on Saturday and Sunday.
The inspection covered the new bridge, the Rajendra Pul-Hathidah Upper-Rampur Dumra rail section and Tal station. Operations began after the inspection was completed.
The project, built at an estimated cost of Rs 2,400 crore, is expected to increase rail traffic capacity in the region by up to 2.5 times, according to the Railways.
15.5 Km Project Includes 1.9 Km Main Bridge
The project extends for approximately 15.5 km, including the 1.9 km main rail bridge over the Ganges.
The main bridge comprises 17 steel spans. The wider project also includes a 3.6 km rail viaduct, eight minor bridges, two road overbridges and three rail-over-rail structures.
The additional infrastructure is intended to improve rail connectivity and support increased traffic on the route.
Benefits For Passenger And Freight Trains
The new bridge is expected to benefit passenger and freight services connecting North and South Bihar, as well as trains travelling towards the north-eastern states.
With two additional lines available, the Railways will have more options to manage train movements and accommodate future growth in traffic.
Previously, trains crossing the Ganges at Mokama relied on the single-line Rajendra Setu, making the section a constraint for rail operations.
Rajendra Setu To Remain Operational
The existing Rajendra Setu will continue to carry trains following the commissioning of the new bridge.
The foundation stone for the old bridge was laid in 1952 by the then President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. It was inaugurated on December 2, 1959, by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
After nearly 67 years of service, the bridge remains an important part of Bihar’s rail network. Operating both bridges will provide additional capacity and flexibility on the route.
Formal Inauguration Awaited
The Railways has begun preparations for the formal inauguration of the new bridge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the project, although the official date has not yet been announced.
With train operations now underway, the new bridge has begun providing additional rail capacity across the Ganges at Mokama.
