Tracking Tomorrow: A ₹1,000-Crore Makeover for Bihar’s Lifeline

Six major railway stations in Bihar—Patna, Gaya, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU), Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur—are set to undergo extensive redevelopment aimed at doubling their traffic-handling capacity over the next five years. Of these, five stations fall under the jurisdiction of the East Central Railway (ECR).

According to ECR Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra, Patna Junction will witness one of the most ambitious upgrades. The ₹95-crore project includes the construction of five additional terminals exclusively for suburban train services on the Hardinge Park land. This is expected to significantly decongest the main station and improve suburban rail connectivity.

DDU, one of the busiest rail hubs in eastern India, will also see its operational capacity doubled through improved traffic management, the creation of new stabling yards, and comprehensive remodelling of the existing yard. The redevelopment is being carried out at an estimated cost of ₹17 crore.

Gaya Junction is being upgraded into a world-class station with an investment of ₹296 crore. The project includes additional stabling yards, expansion of line capacity, and the installation of advanced automatic signalling systems to ensure safer and smoother train operations.

Muzaffarpur Junction is slated for a major redevelopment at a cost of ₹442 crore, focusing on yard expansion, increased line capacity, and the modernisation of passenger amenities to meet future traffic growth. Darbhanga station will be redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), which aims to enhance passenger facilities, improve station aesthetics, and boost operational efficiency to support higher train movements.

In addition to station upgrades, the Patna–Jhajha–DDU main line is planned for capacity augmentation through the addition of third and fourth railway lines. This expansion is expected to ease congestion along one of Bihar’s most critical rail corridors, connecting DDU, Patna, Jhajha, and Howrah.

“These projects collectively mark a significant step towards modernising Bihar’s rail network, enhancing passenger experience, and supporting the state’s growing economic and mobility needs,” the ECR CPRO said.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.