In the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 budget, the East Central Railway is set to transform 92 stations in Bihar to resemble airports under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Yojana. The General Manager of East Central Railway, Anil Kumar Khandelwal, announced a whopping allocation of ₹10,754 crores for both new and pending projects in the Bihar region during a press conference held in Danapur Rail Mandal.
Mr. Khandelwal revealed that this budget includes provisions for the initiation of the construction of the Biharsharif-Aurangabad rail line and the final survey completion for the third and fourth lines between DDU (Dhanbad Division) and Jhajha. The conference, attended by key officials including DRM J.K. Choudhary, ADRM Adhar Raj, and Senior DCM Saraswati Chandra, emphasized the commitment to completing existing projects alongside new initiatives.
Furthermore, substantial funds have been allocated for various projects, including ₹376 crores for the Biharsharif-Aurangabad rail project, and approval for a total proposal of ₹70,672 crores for several new and old rail projects in the East Central Railway sector. Mr. Khandelwal highlighted the achievement of 98% electrification of rail lines in Bihar and the ongoing reconstruction of 92 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Plan.
The budget breakdown includes ₹1,268 crores for new rail lines, ₹593 crores for overbridges and underpasses, and ₹789 crores for passenger facilities. Additionally, ₹2,719 crores have been allocated for the double line project. In a significant move towards rail modernization, the budget for rail rejuvenation is ₹1,000 crores, and ₹2,460 crores are earmarked for safety funds.
Specific rail lines receiving funding include ₹549 crores for Bodh Gaya-Chatar rail line, ₹620 crores for Nawada-Lakhisarai rail line, ₹496 crores for Jhajha-Batia rail line, ₹128 crores for Karouta-Mankhata rail line, ₹128 crores for Kiul Bypass, and ₹118 crores for Ara Bypass. The budget reflects a comprehensive approach to enhancing railway infrastructure and services in the Bihar region.
