Muzaffarpur: After years of anticipation, the Railways has finally given the nod to construct a new 12-kilometre railway line connecting Turki and Silaut, alongside the proposed New Muzaffarpur station near National Highway (NH). The long-pending project, first pitched by the Sonpur Railway Division eight years ago, is now moving forward with land surveys and logistical planning already underway.
According to senior officials from the East Central Railway (ECR), three independent agencies have been deployed to expedite the detailed survey of the alignment. The final report has been sought on a priority basis.
“This new line will significantly decongest Muzaffarpur Junction by redirecting freight traffic,” a railway official familiar with the project said. “Goods trains heading towards Narayanpur or Samastipur will bypass the current bottlenecks by taking the new route through Silaut.”
New Station to Ease Goods Movement
The proposed New Muzaffarpur station is likely to come up near Kajiinda village, adjacent to the national highway. Authorities believe that this location will enhance the station’s connectivity to major roads and boost logistics support for traders and industries.
“The station’s proximity to the highway will allow seamless transfer of goods to trucks and other commercial vehicles,” the official added. “This is expected to reduce transit delays and minimise spoilage of perishable commodities, which has been a persistent complaint from traders.”
Every day, over 80 mail and express trains pass through Muzaffarpur Junction, often leaving little room for freight operations. This has forced goods trains to halt for hours, disrupting supply chains and impacting railway revenues.
Local businessman Rajesh Sahu welcomed the project, saying, “Delayed deliveries due to freight congestion have often affected our business. This new line could be a game-changer for timely transportation.”
High-Tension Wires Pose Engineering Challenge
However, the path to progress is not without hurdles. During the alignment survey, engineers noted that multiple 132-kilovolt high-tension power lines obstruct the proposed straight route between Turki and Silaut. The Railways is currently in talks with the power transmission department to find a viable solution.
“If shifting the power lines proves too costly or time-consuming, we may be forced to adjust the railway alignment,” an engineering team member involved in the project explained. “We’re hopeful of a collaborative solution that won’t compromise efficiency.”
Land Acquisition in Focus
Initial directives have been issued for land acquisition near Kajiinda for the station and the new railway line. Railway authorities are coordinating with local landowners and district administration to facilitate the process without major disputes.
“This project is crucial for the infrastructure development of north Bihar,” said a senior ECR planner. “We are committed to executing it in a time-bound and transparent manner.”
Once operational, the Turki-Silaut line and the New Muzaffarpur station are expected to not only improve freight logistics but also lay the groundwork for future passenger connectivity, making Muzaffarpur a more strategic hub in Bihar’s railway network.
