The Bihar government has proposed six major railway projects to the Railway Board. These include the development of a Buddhist circuit, suburban networks, new bridges, and additional rail lines, aiming to significantly improve Bihar's railway network.
Bihar News: To strengthen the railway network in Bihar and accelerate the state's economic development, the state government has proposed six major railway projects to the central government. Chief Secretary Amritlal Meena, while forwarding the proposal to the Railway Board, requested sympathetic consideration of these projects. He stated that the state government would provide all possible assistance in the implementation of these projects. The aim of these proposals is to improve passenger amenities in Bihar, develop cities, and meet the needs of the growing population.
Significance of the Railway Network in Bihar
Chief Secretary Amritlal Meena emphasized the importance of rail transport in Bihar in his letter. He stated that railways are not only a means of transporting passengers and goods but also play a crucial role in the state's economic development. Highlighting Bihar's high population density (1388 per square kilometer), he pointed out that the availability of railway tracks here is significantly lower than the national average. Bihar has 5.31 kilometers of railway track per lakh population, while the national average is 9.81 kilometers. Therefore, the state needs major improvements in the railway sector.
Six Proposed Major Railway Projects
The Bihar government has proposed six major projects to the Railway Board that will connect various parts of the state and improve transportation facilities. Let's examine these proposals one by one.
1. Buddhist Circuit Rail Corridor: Doubling and New Train Service
Doubling of the Buddhist Circuit rail corridor on the Patna-Gaya-Tilaiya-Rajgir-Fatuha route has been demanded. A new circular train service could be introduced on this circuit, providing better connectivity to important tourist destinations like Bodh Gaya and Rajgir. This service would be very useful for residents of Patna, Jahanabad, Gaya, Nawada, and Nalanda districts. This project will boost Buddhist tourism in Bihar and support economic development.
2. South Bihar Suburban Transport Network: Need for Additional Rail Lines
A robust suburban rail network is needed to connect the South Bihar districts of Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Bhagalpur, Jamui, and Banka to the capital city, Patna. The construction of third and fourth rail lines has been demanded to introduce a local train service similar to Mumbai in this region. This will provide better amenities to passengers and reduce traffic congestion.
3. North Bihar Suburban Network: Demand for New Rail Lines
The need for a suburban rail network connecting the North Bihar districts of Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Darbhanga to Patna has been highlighted. The construction of additional rail lines on the Siwan-Chhapra-Hajipur-Muzaffarpur-Samastipur-Darbhanga section is necessary. Similarly, due to the high passenger volume on the Siwan-Chhapra-Hajipur-Barauni-Katihar section, a third and fourth rail line have also been demanded.
4. Patna Regional Transport Network: New Rail Bridge between Fatuha-Bidupur
The construction of a new rail bridge between Fatuha and Bidupur in the Patna area is also proposed. This bridge can be constructed on the downside of Fatuha station. This project will create a better regional transport network on the Patna-Patna Sahib-Fatuha-Bidupur-Hajipur-Sonpur-Patliputra-Patna route. This project is also essential for the successful implementation of the mega coaching terminal and modern goods shed. Furthermore, this rail network will be helpful in the development of satellite towns around Patna.
5. Additional Railway Lines in High-Density Network
Due to the increasing number of passengers on the DDU-Buxar-Ara-Patna-Kiul section, there is a need for early approval of the third and fourth railway lines. The state government has initiated the process of preparing the DPR (Detailed Project Report) in this direction. The state government will also provide all possible assistance for land acquisition in congested areas like Gulzarbagh-Patna City.
6. New Rail Bridge between Ara-Chhapra
The construction of a new rail bridge between Ara and Chhapra over the Ganges River has been demanded. In addition to the existing JP Setu, Rajendra Setu, and Munger Ghat bridges, another bridge will further improve connectivity between North and South Bihar. This will also improve traffic between Shahabad and Saran and provide better facilities to passengers.
