Cabinet Clears ₹3,169 Cr Rail Project: Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat Line to Be Doubled

The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared a key railway infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and freight capacity in eastern India. The approval is for the doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat single line section, spanning 177 km, with an estimated cost of ₹3,169 crore, as per The Economic Times report.

Expanding Rail Infrastructure

Announcing the decision, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the project will improve connectivity across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, covering:

• Bhagalpur and Banka districts in Bihar
• Godda and Dumka districts in Jharkhand
• Birbhum district in West Bengal

Importantly, three of these Banka, Godda, and Dumka are designated Aspirational Districts under the government’s development program.

Benefits for People and Economy

The multi-tracking initiative is expected to directly benefit nearly 28.72 lakh people across 441 villages. It will also strengthen freight movement on a route critical for commodities such as coal, cement, fertilisers, bricks, and stones.

Once complete, the upgraded line will enable the Indian Railways to handle an additional 15 million tonnes of freight annually (MTPA), significantly boosting regional logistics and economic activity.

Part of a Larger Infrastructure Push

This project is part of a broader infrastructure investment of ₹7,616 crore approved for Bihar. Alongside the railway expansion, the Cabinet has cleared the four-laning of the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur corridor (82.4 km), with an outlay of ₹4,447 crore.

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Conclusion

The doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line is expected to transform connectivity in the region, ease freight bottlenecks, and promote inclusive growth in key districts. With the government’s continued focus on infrastructure, the project represents a step forward in linking underdeveloped areas with India’s broader economic growth story.

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