After a 17-year wait, a crucial 58-km railway project in Bihar’s Kosi-Seemanchal region is finally set to begin, promising to boost connectivity in the area.
A Project Years in the Making
The Ministry of Railways has announced that the 58-km Kursela-Bihariganj New Line project will finally commence. This railway line, located in Bihar’s Kosi-Seemanchal region, was initially introduced in the Budget of 2008-09.
For nearly two decades, the project remained on hold. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the primary reason for the delay was low traffic projections for the route.
Why the Revival Now?
Despite the initial low traffic outlook, there have been numerous requests from various groups to revive the project. The situation changed significantly with the sanctioning of the Bikramshila-Katarea New Line project.
This new development has made the Kursela-Bihariganj line an essential operational requirement. As a result, the Ministry has decided to move forward with both the Kursela-Bihariganj and the Jalalgarh-Kishanganj projects, which were also part of the 2008-09 budget and similarly delayed.
Funding and Connected Projects
For the financial year 2025-26, an allocation of Rs 170.8 crore has been provided to get these long-pending projects off the ground. The Bikramshila-Katarea project, sanctioned in August 2024, is a 26.23-km line that includes a bridge over the mighty Ganga river.
This Bikramshila-Katarea line comes with a substantial total cost of Rs 2,549 crore, with Rs 64.05 crore earmarked for FY26. Another related project, the 35-km Tejnarayanpur-Sahibganj line, could not proceed due to similar low traffic projections in the past.
Expanding Bihar’s Rail Network
Beyond these immediate projects, the Ministry is actively looking to further enhance rail connectivity across Bihar. A survey for a new 92-km line connecting Bihariganj to Virpur, passing through Murliganj, Triveniganj, and Bhimnagar, has already been completed.
In total, eight new surveys covering an impressive 1,351 km have been initiated to improve the state’s railway infrastructure. These include critical upgrades like the third and fourth lines between Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Kiul, and Chhapra and Katihar, as well as doubling tracks on routes like Rampurhat-Dumka-Bhagalpur and Bakhtiyarpur-Tilaiya.
- The 58-km Kursela-Bihariganj New Line project in Bihar is starting after a 17-year delay.
- Initially halted due to low traffic projections, it’s now an operational necessity.
- Rs 170.8 crore has been allocated for its commencement in FY 2025-26.
- Several other railway projects and surveys are underway to boost Bihar’s connectivity.
This significant step marks a new chapter for rail infrastructure in Bihar, promising better connectivity and economic opportunities for the region.
After a 17-year wait, a crucial 58-km railway project in Bihar’s Kosi-Seemanchal region is finally set to begin, promising to boost connectivity in the area.
A Project Years in the Making
The Ministry of Railways has announced that the 58-km Kursela-Bihariganj New Line project will finally commence. This railway line, located in Bihar’s Kosi-Seemanchal region, was initially introduced in the Budget of 2008-09.
For nearly two decades, the project remained on hold. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the primary reason for the delay was low traffic projections for the route.
Why the Revival Now?
Despite the initial low traffic outlook, there have been numerous requests from various groups to revive the project. The situation changed significantly with the sanctioning of the Bikramshila-Katarea New Line project.
This new development has made the Kursela-Bihariganj line an essential operational requirement. As a result, the Ministry has decided to move forward with both the Kursela-Bihariganj and the Jalalgarh-Kishanganj projects, which were also part of the 2008-09 budget and similarly delayed.
Funding and Connected Projects
For the financial year 2025-26, an allocation of Rs 170.8 crore has been provided to get these long-pending projects off the ground. The Bikramshila-Katarea project, sanctioned in August 2024, is a 26.23-km line that includes a bridge over the mighty Ganga river.
This Bikramshila-Katarea line comes with a substantial total cost of Rs 2,549 crore, with Rs 64.05 crore earmarked for FY26. Another related project, the 35-km Tejnarayanpur-Sahibganj line, could not proceed due to similar low traffic projections in the past.
Expanding Bihar’s Rail Network
Beyond these immediate projects, the Ministry is actively looking to further enhance rail connectivity across Bihar. A survey for a new 92-km line connecting Bihariganj to Virpur, passing through Murliganj, Triveniganj, and Bhimnagar, has already been completed.
In total, eight new surveys covering an impressive 1,351 km have been initiated to improve the state’s railway infrastructure. These include critical upgrades like the third and fourth lines between Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Kiul, and Chhapra and Katihar, as well as doubling tracks on routes like Rampurhat-Dumka-Bhagalpur and Bakhtiyarpur-Tilaiya.
- The 58-km Kursela-Bihariganj New Line project in Bihar is starting after a 17-year delay.
- Initially halted due to low traffic projections, it’s now an operational necessity.
- Rs 170.8 crore has been allocated for its commencement in FY 2025-26.
- Several other railway projects and surveys are underway to boost Bihar’s connectivity.
This significant step marks a new chapter for rail infrastructure in Bihar, promising better connectivity and economic opportunities for the region.
