ECR to conduct surveys at 12 sites to modernise railway network in state: Official

Patna: In a significant boost to state’s railway infrastructure, the East Central Railway (ECR) has received approval from the ministry of railways to conduct Final Location Survey (FLS) at 12 strategic sites across the state, said Saraswati Chandra, chief public relations officer (CPRO).

Sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1,051 lakh, the initiative aims to modernise and expand the railway network, enhancing connectivity and supporting regional development, he added.According to Chandra, among the key projects approved is the FLS for track doubling on the Ara–Sasaram section, covering a stretch of 97-km. This crucial link, once upgraded, will facilitate faster connectivity from Patna and improve traffic movement by easing the pressure on current single line operations, he said.The Ara – Sasaram track doubling work is expected to play a pivotal role in integrating the DFC, boosting both freight and passenger efficiency. Besides, approval for the survey for a rail flyover at Fatuha will significantly decongest the Patna–Jhajha mainline route, he said, adding this corridor is among the busiest in the region and this facility will reduce delays and improve punctuality of trains.Welcoming the FLS approval, Danapur ADRM Aadhar Raj said surveys for track doubling work on Patliputra–Danapur and Patliputra–Phulwarisharif routes— a stretch of 4 km each— will augment line capacity in the Patna suburban region where passenger traffic is growing rapidly.

In addition proposals for Daniyawan–Biharsharif bypass line and the Neora bypass line have been approved for survey. These projects are expected to be a boon for traffic operations by allowing seamless movement and avoiding bottlenecks at Danapur and Patna Junction points, the CPRO said.“These surveys are a crucial first step in executing capacity enhancement projects that will serve the state’s growing mobility needs for decades to come,” Raj said, adding Bihar is increasingly becoming a hub for passenger and freight movement and thus focus on infrastructure upgradation is likely to have a far-reaching impact on the region’s economic growth and rail connectivity.