Patna : The Vikramshila-Kataria railway project has moved a step forward, with Railways issuing an e-tender worth more than Rs 1,163 crore for the construction of a new railway line spanning approximately 33 kilometres.
The project is expected to connect Navagachia with Vikramshila and strengthen railway links between the Kosi and Seemanchal regions of Bihar and the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand.
Once completed, the new rail link is expected to provide additional connectivity for passengers travelling between these regions and improve access to important destinations, including Deoghar.
New Railway Bridge Proposed Over the Ganga
A major component of the project is a proposed railway bridge over the Ganga near Bateshwarsthan.
The bridge is expected to establish a direct rail connection towards Vikramshila from the Navagachia side. The project will also include links through the proposed Shivnarayanpur Y-link and Kataria Y-link to integrate the new line with the existing railway network.
The planned infrastructure is intended to improve rail connectivity across the river and provide a new route for passengers travelling between northern and southern parts of the region.
Construction Target Set at Around Four Years
According to the tender details cited in the report, the last date for submitting bids is January 27, 2027.
After the tender process is completed and construction begins, the work is targeted for completion within 1,460 days, or approximately four years.
The project includes earthwork for the railway formation, construction of major and minor bridges, rail overbridges, underpasses, platforms and station buildings.
The railway section is also planned to meet the prescribed standards for a 25-tonne axle-load capacity, supporting the required operational and freight-loading standards.
Seemanchal Districts May Get Better Rail Access to Deoghar
The new line is expected to improve railway connectivity for passengers from Purnia, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj, among other areas in the Seemanchal region.
It could also offer pilgrims travelling to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar an additional rail route through the Bhagalpur and Navagachia areas.
The project is expected to provide another travel option for people moving between Bihar’s Kosi-Seemanchal belt and Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region. The actual reduction in journey time and distance will depend on the final route, train services and operating arrangements.
Nishikant Dubey Welcomes the Tender
Godda MP Nishikant Dubey welcomed the issuance of the tender and expressed hope that the project would strengthen connectivity between the two sides of the Ganga.
The proposed bridge and railway line are expected to create an additional link between Navagachia, Vikramshila, the Seemanchal region and Santhal Pargana.
A New Rail Link for Bihar and Jharkhand
With the tender issued, the project has entered an important stage in the procurement process. The next steps will include completion of the bidding process and the subsequent construction work.
Once operational, the Vikramshila-Kataria railway line is expected to expand rail connectivity for regional passengers, improve access to pilgrimage destinations and create another transport link between Bihar and Jharkhand.
