Cabinet Approves Rs 3,169 Crore Doubling of Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat Railway Line

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of the Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat railway line covering 177 km across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 3,169 crore.

The expansion aims to enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency, and provide more reliable services for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking initiative will reduce congestion on one of the busiest railway sections, supporting comprehensive infrastructural development in the region.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the project aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a New India, promoting regional development, employment, and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

Key Highlights

• The project is part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, emphasizing multi-modal connectivity, logistic efficiency, and integrated planning.
• The line will connect five districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, adding 177 km to the Indian Railways network.
• It will provide direct rail access to prominent pilgrimage and tourist destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) and Tarapith (Shakti Peeth).
• The project will enhance connectivity to approximately 441 villages and benefit a population of 28.72 lakh, including three Aspirational Districts: Banka, Godda, and Dumka.
• The upgraded route is crucial for transporting commodities like coal, cement, fertilizers, bricks, and stones, with expected additional freight traffic of 15 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The rail expansion will contribute to India's climate goals by reducing reliance on road transport, cutting oil imports by 5 crore litres, and lowering CO2 emissions by 24 crore kg-equivalent to planting 1 crore trees. Railways' energy-efficient operations will also minimize logistics costs for the country.

This project is set to improve mobility, reduce operational bottlenecks, and provide seamless connectivity for passengers and freight, further strengthening the Indian Railways' network in Eastern India.