Indian Railways Sanctions Third Line Project on Kiul-Jhajha Section to Enhance Capacity on Delhi-Howrah Corridor
New 54-km third line in Bihar to alleviate congestion, bolster freight and passenger movement along one of India’s busiest railway routes
The Ministry of Railways has approved a significant infrastructure augmentation project aimed at decongesting the heavily trafficked Delhi-Howrah railway corridor. The sanctioned project involves the construction of a third railway line spanning 54 kilometres between Kiul and Jhajha in Bihar, with an estimated investment of Rs 962 crore. This development is poised to enhance operational efficiency, increase line capacity, and support the growing demand for both passenger and freight rail traffic across Eastern and Northern India.
The Delhi-Howrah main line, extending approximately 1,531 kilometres, is among the country’s most critical and high-density rail corridors. It serves as a vital link connecting the national capital region with the eastern metropolis of Kolkata, facilitating substantial volumes of passenger travel and freight movement daily. The corridor’s strategic importance is underscored by its role in connecting key industrial hubs, ports, and hinterland markets.
Currently, the Kiul-Jhajha section operates with a double-line track configuration under the administrative jurisdiction of the East Central Railway’s Danapur Division. However, this section is running beyond optimal capacity utilization, leading to congestion and operational bottlenecks. With traffic demand projected to rise further in the coming years, the addition of a third line is essential to sustain and enhance the corridor’s throughput.
The newly approved third line will provide critical infrastructure support by enabling smoother and more flexible train operations. It is expected to reduce delays and improve punctuality for both passenger and freight services. Enhanced line capacity will facilitate the seamless movement of trains, thereby strengthening connectivity between key economic zones.
Moreover, the Kiul-Jhajha segment holds strategic significance as it connects the Kolkata and Haldia ports with the Raxaul border point adjoining Nepal. The corridor also supports substantial freight traffic linked to major industrial establishments such as the Barh and Jawahar Super Thermal Power Plants (STPPs) and the Birganj Inland Container Depot (ICD). By improving rail infrastructure in this region, the project will directly contribute to boosting industrial growth, trade facilitation, and regional economic development.
The Railway Minister’s approval of this project aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision to modernize and expand its network capacity to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy. Infrastructure enhancements such as the Kiul-Jhajha third line are integral to achieving the objectives of operational excellence, improved service reliability, and increased freight handling capabilities.
Indian Railways continues to prioritize projects that enhance corridor capacity on key routes, recognizing their pivotal role in national connectivity and economic integration. The addition of the third line on this segment exemplifies the commitment to upgrading infrastructure in a manner that supports sustainable growth and efficient transportation logistics.
Upon completion, the third line is expected to significantly alleviate congestion on the Delhi-Howrah main line, one of the busiest and most strategically important railway corridors in India. This will not only improve the travel experience for millions of passengers but also enhance the efficiency of freight operations critical to the supply chains of industries across Eastern and Northern India.
In conclusion, the Rs 962 crore investment in the Kiul-Jhajha third line project represents a forward-looking step in Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its infrastructure backbone. By addressing capacity constraints and operational challenges, this initiative will play a key role in supporting the corridor’s long-term growth trajectory and reinforcing India’s position as a global economic player through improved rail connectivity.
