Bihar’s new rail line to let freight trains bypass Patna, ease pressure on Delhi-Howrah route

Bihar's new railway line, the Neora-Jatdumri route, has received approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to allow freight trains to bypass Patna and utilize an alternative path in the state. This decision comes after an inspection and a successful speed trial at 120 kmph on October 8. The 20-km-long section is part of the larger Neora-Daniyawan railway project, which is being carried out in two phases.

Upon completion, freight trains will be able to take a new route through Neora, Daniyawan, Biharsharif, Barbigha, Sheikhpura, and Kiul, potentially easing congestion on the existing Danapur-Patna-Kiul-Jhajha corridor, which forms part of the Delhi-Howrah main line and is considered highly congested. The project, implemented by the East Central Railway (ECR) zone, has also led to the construction of three new stations and various infrastructure improvements, including bridges, subways, and overpasses, since its inception in phases.