Delhi-Howrah Rail Boost: ₹17,000 Cr Line Upgrade Approved

Indian Railways is set to upgrade the high-traffic Delhi–Howrah route by adding third and fourth railway lines along the 400-km stretch between Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction and Jhajha.

The ₹17,000-crore project is designed to reduce congestion, enhance passenger services, and enable smoother freight movement, thereby boosting industrial growth in the region. Falling under the East Central Railway zone, the work has been divided into multiple segments for faster implementation, covering sections from Danapur, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, Punarkh and Kiul to Jhajha.

In the first phase, the Railway Board has cleared the Bakhtiyarpur–Fatuha and Bakhtiyarpur–Punarkh sections, with tendering for the latter nearing completion. Approvals for the Punarkh–Kiul and Kiul–Jhajha stretches are also in advanced stages.

Due to land limitations around Patna, the project will require removal of two stabling lines and the development of reversible tracks to optimise train operations. Construction is expected to commence in stages over the coming months.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.