Patna, May 26 (IANS) Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday announced that the Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of a third railway line between Kiul and Jhajha in Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 961.71 crore.

Sharing the information through a post on X, Samrat Choudhary said the project would significantly strengthen Bihar’s railway infrastructure, improve transportation, and accelerate industrial and economic growth in the state.

He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the project.

According to the Chief Minister, the railway expansion project reflects the development agenda being pursued under the NDA’s “double-engine government” model in Bihar.

Earlier, Ashwini Vaishnaw had formally informed the Bihar government about the approval through an official communication.

As per a notification issued from the office of Deepak Singh, director of the Gati Shakti of the Railway Board, the President has sanctioned the 53.92-kilometre-long Kiul–Jhajha third-line project at a total estimated cost of Rs 961.71 crore.

Railway officials stated that around Rs 663.04 crore has been earmarked for civil works, Rs 76.04 crore for electrification, and Rs 222.63 crore for signalling and telecommunication (S&T) infrastructure.

The project will be funded under the “Capital (GBS)” head through the umbrella scheme for doubling, tripling, quadrupling, flyover, and bypass works aimed at enhancing railway network capacity during 2025–26.

The proposal has also received concurrence from the Finance Directorate.

The Kiul–Jhajha section lies on the crucial main rail corridor connecting Patna with Kolkata and is considered one of the busiest railway routes in the country.

Railway officials believe the addition of a third line will help ease congestion, improve train movement efficiency, and strengthen freight and passenger connectivity in eastern India.

The project is also expected to support trade, logistics, and industrial expansion in Bihar by improving transportation infrastructure across the region.

The Bihar government has been actively focusing on attracting industrial investment into the state.

–IANS

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