Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces ₹962 Crore Kiul-Jhajha Rail Expansion Project

New Delhi, May 19, 2026: In a major boost to railway infrastructure and connectivity, the Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of a 54-kilometre third railway line between Kiul and Jhajha at an estimated cost of ₹962 crore. The project aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce congestion on the highly busy Howrah-Delhi rail corridor.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kiul-Jhajha Third Line Project will play a crucial role in increasing line capacity and improving the punctuality of train services operating on the high-density route. He stated that the new line will ensure smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains while supporting industrial development and trade activities in the region.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the existing double-line section between Kiul and Jhajha is currently witnessing traffic levels beyond its optimal capacity. With rail traffic expected to rise significantly in the coming years, the additional third line has been planned to strengthen infrastructure and meet future transportation demands.

Officials stated that the project will help reduce rail congestion, improve operational flexibility and provide faster movement of trains between major cities including Patna and Kolkata. The corridor also serves as a key freight route connecting Kolkata and Haldia ports with Raxaul and Nepal, making it strategically important for trade and logistics.

The railway section handles substantial freight traffic linked to major industrial units and logistics centres such as Barh Super Thermal Power Project, Jawahar Super Thermal Power Project and Birganj Inland Container Depot. Due to its importance, the route has already been identified under the High Traffic Density Network Corridor of Indian Railways.

Railway authorities believe the project will provide long-term benefits by improving freight efficiency, reducing delays and strengthening transportation reliability across Eastern and Northern India. The additional carrying capacity is also expected to support regional economic growth and industrial expansion.