The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹3,169 crore project to double the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat railway line, a 177-kilometre stretch passing through Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The decision marks a significant step towards improving freight capacity, boosting tourism, and strengthening regional connectivity.
The line currently operates as a single track, limiting the number of trains that can run and causing congestion during peak demand. The doubling project will allow simultaneous movement of trains in both directions, reducing travel time and improving efficiency. Officials said the work will be completed within four years, with the Ministry of Railways overseeing implementation.
The project is expected to have a major impact on freight operations. The Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat corridor links mineral-rich regions of Jharkhand with key industrial and agricultural centres in Bihar and West Bengal. With coal, stone, and agricultural produce moving in large volumes, the expanded capacity will ease the transport of goods, reduce logistics costs, and provide industries with reliable supply lines.
Tourism is also set to benefit. The region is home to historic and religious sites, as well as natural attractions that have long been popular among domestic travellers. Improved rail services are expected to bring more visitors, boosting local economies. Authorities believe that with faster and more frequent trains, both pilgrim traffic and general tourism will grow substantially.
Employment generation is another important aspect. The construction phase is expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly in railway works and indirectly in supporting sectors such as construction materials, transport, and services. Once operational, the line will also contribute to sustained employment through increased economic activity in the region.
Railway officials emphasized that doubling the line is part of a broader modernization drive across the Indian Railways network. “This project will not only decongest the existing corridor but also enhance operational safety and efficiency. It is in line with our goal of expanding rail infrastructure to meet growing passenger and freight demands,” an official said.
The decision comes amid growing recognition of the role infrastructure plays in sustaining economic growth. By improving transport links in eastern India, the government hopes to attract investment in manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. The line’s location across three states makes it particularly strategic for regional integration.
In addition to doubling, the project will include improvements in signaling, track quality, and station infrastructure. Modern facilities are planned to ensure better passenger comfort and safety. Officials highlighted that electrification of the line will also be prioritized, aligning with the government’s push towards green transportation.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, calling it a timely intervention to address capacity bottlenecks. Logistics firms in particular see the project as a way to cut down transit delays that often disrupt supply chains. Farmers and traders in Bihar and Jharkhand are also expected to benefit from faster transport of produce to markets.
