By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, May 26, 2026: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday announced that the Central Government has approved the construction of a third railway line between Kiul and Jhajha, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening Bihar’s railway network and improving transportation capacity on one of the country’s busiest rail corridors.
The project, covering a length of 53.92 kilometers, has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 961.71 crore.
Samrat Choudhary expressed gratitude to PM Modi and the Railway Minister:
Expressing his appreciation, Samrat Choudhary thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the project.
He stated that the third railway line would significantly strengthen Bihar’s railway infrastructure, improve transportation efficiency, promote industrial and commercial activities, and accelerate the state’s economic development.
CM Samrat Choudhary added that under the “double-engine government,” Bihar is steadily moving forward on the path of rapid development.
According to an official notification issued by the office of Deepak Singh, Director of Gati Shakti of the Railway Board, the President has formally sanctioned the Kiul-Jhajha third line project.
The project has been approved under the “Capital (GBS)” within the umbrella scheme titled “Umbrella Scheme for Doubling/Tripling/Quadrupling/Flyover/ work to enhance railway network capacity” (Umbrella work 2025-26). The approval was issued with the concurrence of the finance directorate.
Detailed cost break-up:
Railway officials stated that the total estimated expenditure includes Rs 663.04 crore for civil works, Rs 76.04 crore for electrification, and Rs 222.63 crore for signaling and telecommunications (S&T).
Detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the project are expected to be issued separately.
Strategic importance of the route:
The Kiul-Jhajha section lies on the crucial railway corridor connecting Patna to Kolkata and is considered one of the busiest railway routes in India.
Officials believe the addition of a third line will help ease congestion, improve train movement, enhance freight operations, and increase overall rail network capacity.
The Bihar government has been emphasizing large-scale infrastructure development to attract investment into the state. Samrat Choudhary has set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 5 lakh crore by November this year.
The new railway project is expected to play a significant role in improving transportation infrastructure and boosting industrial growth and connectivity across Bihar.
EOM.
