In a significant push to modernise and expand Bihar’s railway infrastructure, the Central Government has approved Rs 86,107 crore for 52 major railway projects in the state. These projects comprise 31 new rail lines, 1 gauge conversion, and 20 doubling projects, covering a total length of 4,663 km.
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The information was shared by Union Railway Minister Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha in response to a query. He said that these efforts are aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and traffic movement across the state.
Over Rs 29,000 Crore Already Spent
As of March 2025, 1,014 km of new rail lines have been commissioned, with an expenditure of Rs 29,353 crore. Key completed projects include landmark bridges over major rivers:
- Munger Bridge (19 km): Rs 2,774 crore
- Kosi Bridge (22 km): Rs 516 crore
- Patna Bridge (40 km): Rs 3,555 crore
These infrastructure upgrades are crucial for easing logistical challenges and enhancing regional connectivity.
Railway Budget Sees Nine-Fold Increase
The railway budget allocated to Bihar has seen a nine-fold increase over the past 11 years—from Rs 1,132 crore per year during 2009–14 to Rs 10,066 crore annually during 2014–25. During this period, 1,899 km of railway lines were commissioned, a massive rise compared to 318 km during the earlier period.
New Trains and Modern Stations
Bihar has significantly benefitted from new train services. Of the 144 Vande Bharat trains, 20 are operating in the state, while 10 out of 14 Amrit Bharat Express trains also serve Bihar.
Further, 558 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) have been completed between 2014–25, with another 218 bridges approved at a cost of Rs 6,014 crore.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, 98 railway stations in Bihar are being redeveloped. Key stations like Saharsa, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur are witnessing rapid construction of new buildings, foot overbridges, and parking zones.
Major Railway Projects in Bihar and Their Estimated Cost
- Hajipur–Bachhwara doubling (72 km): Rs 930 crore
- Kiul–Gaya doubling (123 km): Rs 1,200 crore
- Karotapatner–Mankatha triangle (8 km): Rs 129 crore
- Rampurhat–Mandarhill & Rampurhat–Murai third line (160 km): Rs 1,500 crore
- Jaynagar–Darbhanga–Narkatiaganj gauge conversion (295 km): Rs 1,193 crore
- Sakri–Laukaha Bazar–Nirmali & Saharsa–Forbesganj gauge conversion (206 km): Rs 2,113 crore
- Bakhtiyarpur flyover (4 km): Rs 402 crore
- Katareh–Kursela patch doubling (7 km): Rs 222 crore
- Araria–Galgalia new line (111 km): Rs 4,415 crore
- Kiul–Tilaiya electrification (87 km): Rs 105 crore
- Valmikinagar–Sugauli–Muzaffarpur & Sugauli–Raxaul electrification (240 km): Rs 351 crore
Vision for the Future
With proper planning, timely execution, and increased funding, the Central Government aims to ensure seamless integration of Bihar’s railway network with national corridors. Projects are being developed zone-wise after assessing socio-economic and operational requirements, with the goal of turning Bihar into a key hub in the Indian rail network.
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