The Jamalpur-Munger Ganga Bridge railway line doubling project has been fully cleared. A provisional allocation of 50 crores has been presented in the interim budget on February 1st, aiming to kickstart the doubling project promptly. The doubling of the railway line from Jamalpur to Khagaria (Umeshnagar), spanning 14 kilometers, will not only free the rail route from single-track constraints but also anticipates an increase in train frequency.
With an estimated cost of 1600 crores, the Jamalpur-Munger Ganga Bridge, covering a distance of 14 kilometers, is slated for railway line doubling. The survey work has been completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted to the Railway Board. The provision of funds in the interim budget suggests an imminent commencement of the doubling project.
The single-track configuration between Jamalpur and Umeshnagar has led to operational challenges, causing delays for passenger trains. The doubling project is expected to alleviate these issues and enhance the efficiency of freight transportation. The estimated cost of 1600 crores was highlighted during the presentation of the project in the interim budget.
The survey for this doubling project was initiated in December 2023, addressing the challenges arising from the single-track railway between Jamalpur and Umeshnagar. The doubling is anticipated to benefit both passengers and the railway, facilitating smoother travel for commuters and accommodating an increased number of trains.
In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Munger Ganga Railway Bridge, the first passenger train crossing it. With around five to six thousand daily passengers traveling on this rail section, the doubling project aims to enhance the rail infrastructure, allowing for increased train frequency and improved revenue for the railway.
The existing Ganga Bridge in Munger, inaugurated in 2016, took approximately 14 years to complete. After doubling, it is expected to accommodate more trains, addressing the growing transportation needs of the region. The current bridge is equipped for both rail and road traffic, providing a comprehensive transportation solution.
