Delhi, 24 September (H.S.): The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya single railway line section in Bihar at a total estimated cost of ₹2,192 crore. The 104-km project spans four districts in the state and is expected to significantly boost both passenger and freight capacity.

The project extends rail connectivity to key cultural and religious destinations such as Rajgir, Nalanda, and Pawapuri, attracting lakhs of pilgrims and tourists annually. It also covers nearly 1,434 villages across two Aspirational Districts—Gaya and Nawada—benefiting a population of about 13.46 lakh.

Officials said the doubling will enhance the line’s freight handling capacity, critical for the movement of commodities including coal, cement, clinker and fly ash. Once completed, the upgraded section is projected to handle additional freight traffic of around 26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Highlighting its economic and environmental benefits, the government said the project will reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by nearly 5 crore litres annually, and slash carbon emissions by around 24 crore kilograms, the equivalent of planting one crore trees.

The enhanced infrastructure will ease congestion on one of the busiest railway corridors in the region, improving both service reliability and operational efficiency. The proposal is part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at strengthening multi-modal connectivity and promoting integrated transport planning.

The Railway Ministry underscored that the project will not only advance Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India but also boost employment and self-employment opportunities by driving comprehensive development in the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar