Indian Railways approves Rs 962 crore Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line project on Howrah-Delhi corridor

New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved the 54-km Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project at an estimated cost of Rs 962 crore to enhance capacity and operational efficiency on the high-density Howrah-Delhi rail corridor.

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According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the project forms a key part of the High Traffic Density Network of Indian Railways and is aimed at strengthening passenger and freight movement across Eastern and Northern India.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project will significantly improve capacity on the heavily utilised Howrah-Delhi corridor and help enhance punctuality and operational flexibility of train services. He added that the additional line infrastructure will support seamless movement of passenger and freight trains while promoting industrial growth and trade connectivity in the region.

At present, the existing double-line section between Kiul and Jhajha is operating beyond optimal capacity utilisation, while traffic demand on the route is expected to rise further in the coming years. The proposed third line is expected to improve line capacity, reduce congestion and facilitate smoother train operations.

The project is also expected to strengthen connectivity between Patna and Kolkata and support freight movement linked to major industrial and logistics hubs across Northern and Eastern India.

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The route provides vital connectivity between Kolkata and Haldia ports and Raxaul-Nepal, while handling significant freight traffic associated with major industrial establishments such as NTPC Limited’s Barh Super Thermal Power Project (STPP), Jawahar STPP and Birganj Inland Container Depot (ICD).

Indian Railways said the enhanced carrying capacity and improved connectivity under the project will support efficient logistics movement, reduce congestion and improve reliability of rail transportation between key economic centres in Eastern and Northern India.

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