Giving a major boost to railway infrastructure in Bihar, Indian Railways has approved ₹499 crore for doubling the 44.40 kilometer-long Mansi-Saharsa section of the East Central Railway. This project will enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for passenger and freight movement on this crucial route.
Enhancing Capacity Across a High-Density Rail Network
The Mansi-Saharsa section is currently a single-line corridor on the Mansi-Saraigarh route, handling heavy passenger and freight traffic. Twenty-four pairs of passenger trains operate in both directions on this section, alongside the transportation of essential commodities such as wheat, maize, ballast, parboiled rice, cement, fertilizer, rice, salt, sand, stone, and sugar. The capacity utilization of the existing line has already reached 108.11% and is projected to rise to 119.34% by 2028-29, highlighting the urgent need for additional rail capacity.
Enhancing Passenger Services and Freight Rail Operations
The doubling project will increase the line’s capacity, thereby reducing congestion and improving the operations of both passenger and freight trains. This will enhance punctuality and operational flexibility while also helping to handle future traffic growth. Upon completion, the project will enable an additional freight capacity of 1.764 MTPA, strengthening regional logistics and economic development.
This project is part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to increase capacity on high-demand routes, enhance service reliability, and promote faster, safer, and better transportation for passengers and freight across the country. (PIB)
