Indian Railways approves 54 Km Kiul-Jhajha 3rd line project at Rs 962 Crore to boost capacity on high-density Howrah-Delhi route
New Delhi, May 19
Indian Railways has approved the Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project at a cost of Rs 962 crore, reinforcing its commitment towards enhancing capacity, improving operational efficiency and ensuring seamless rail transportation on the high-density Howrah-Delhi corridor.
The project forms an important part of the High Traffic Density Network of Indian Railways and is expected to strengthen both passenger and freight movement across Eastern and Northern India.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project will significantly enhance capacity on the heavily utilised Howrah-Delhi corridor and help improve punctuality and operational flexibility of train services. He said the additional line infrastructure will facilitate seamless movement of passenger and freight trains while supporting industrial growth and trade connectivity across the region.
At present, the existing double line section between Kiul and Jhajha is operating beyond optimal capacity utilisation, while traffic demand on the corridor is expected to increase further in the coming years, necessitating additional infrastructure augmentation.
The proposed 54 km third line project will significantly improve line capacity, reduce congestion and facilitate smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains. The project will strengthen connectivity between Patna and Kolkata, while also supporting freight movement linked to major industrial and logistics hubs across Northern and Eastern India.
The route also provides critical connectivity between Kolkata/Haldia ports and Raxaul/Nepal, and handles substantial freight traffic associated with key industrial establishments, including Barh STPP, Jawahar STPP and Birganj ICD. The section has been identified under the High Traffic Density Network Corridor of Indian Railways.
With rising traffic demand on this strategic corridor, the project is expected to provide long-term infrastructure support for both passenger and freight operations.
The enhanced connectivity and additional carrying capacity will contribute towards more efficient logistics movement, reduced congestion and improved rail transport reliability between key economic centres of Eastern and Northern India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who travels regularly between Delhi and Howrah for work, I'm cautiously optimistic. The existing double line really struggles with freight trains blocking passenger services. But I've seen so many projects get delayed—hope the Railways actually finishes this on time.
Good initiative but Rs 962 crore for just 54 km? That's about Rs 17.8 crore per km! I hope they're using quality materials and not cutting corners. Also, what about electrification upgrades? The Kiul-Jhajha section needs proper high-tension lines too. 🤔
As a regular passenger on this route, I welcome this project. The congestion between Kiul and Jhajha is unbearable—trains often wait for hours. But I really hope they also improve station amenities and safety at the same time. Too many accidents on our railways. 🙏
Makes sense given how critical this corridor is for freight to Nepal and ports. The Barh STPP and Birganj ICD traffic must be enormous. Third line should help clear the bottleneck. But I hope the Railways also considers environmental impact—54 km of construction through rural Bihar will affect local farmland.
Great to see investment in Eastern India's rail infrastructure! The Howrah-Delhi route is the lifeline for millions. Just wish they'd also focus on smaller stations along the way—places like Kiul and Jhajha itself need better waiting rooms and platforms. 😊
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