Indian Railways has taken a major step towards increasing rail capacity in Bihar. Approval has been granted for multi-tracking on the 29-kilometer-long section of the East Central Railway from Danapur to Fatuha at a cost of ₹976 crore. This project will help alleviate congestion in the busiest sections of the Patna rail corridor and lay the necessary foundation for enhancing the capacity of passenger and freight transport services.
The approved project comprises three key components. Under this initiative, third and fourth railway lines will be constructed between Danapur and Patna. A third line will be laid between Rajendra Nagar and Patna Sahib, while third and fourth lines will be developed between Patna Sahib and Fatuha. The additional lines will reduce congestion in the Patna area, minimize delays, and improve punctuality.
In the first year of the project’s operation, an additional 22 passenger trains and 18 freight trains will be able to run daily. This will increase the freight transportation capacity by approximately 5.2 million tonnes annually.
This project is part of an initiative to quadruple the capacity of the Delhi–Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Patna, Kiul, Bhagalpur, Khana and Howrah route. This route falls under Indian Railways’ energy, mineral, and cement corridor. The strengthened section will also be crucial for the 2,120 MW thermal power plant coming up at Chausa in Buxar, which will rely on rail transport for essential materials.
This approval reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to increasing the capacity of busy rail routes, strengthening transportation systems for the energy and industrial sectors, and accelerating the socio-economic development of Bihar.
(PIB)
