Rail line doubled

New Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the doubling of the Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat single railway line, spanning 177 km across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, at a total cost of Rs 3,169 crore.

The project aims to improve rail mobility, enhance service reliability, and reduce congestion on one of Indian Railways’ busiest sections. Multi-tracking will ease operations and provide crucial infrastructure development for passengers and freight, according to an official statement.

This initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision of a ‘New India,’ promoting regional development and creating employment opportunities. The project is planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on integrated multi-modal connectivity, efficient logistics, and seamless movement of people and goods.

Covering five districts, the new track will strengthen rail links to key destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) and Tarapith (Shakti Peeth), attracting tourists and pilgrims. It will also enhance connectivity for approximately 441 villages, benefiting about 28.72 lakh people, including residents of the three Aspirational Districts of Banka, Godda, and Dumka.

The line is vital for transporting coal, cement, fertilizers, bricks, and stones. Doubling the track is expected to add 15 million tonnes of freight traffic annually. Being an eco-friendly and energy-efficient transport mode, railways will help reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by around 5 crore litres, and lower CO2 emissions by 24 crore kg—equivalent to planting one crore trees.

The project is seen as a major step in strengthening regional connectivity, supporting economic growth, and advancing sustainable development goals while boosting passenger convenience and freight efficiency across the three states.