Indian Railways Approves ₹499 Crore Doubling Project for Mansi-Saharsa Rail Section in Bihar

44.40-km railway expansion to boost passenger services, freight movement and connectivity in the Mansi-Saraigarh corridor

Saharsa, Bihar: Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 44.40-kilometre Mansi-Saharsa railway section in Bihar with an estimated investment of ₹499 crore. The major infrastructure project aims to increase rail capacity, improve operational efficiency and address the rising demand for passenger and freight transportation on the route.

The project will be developed under the East Central Railway zone and is part of the important Mansi-Saraigarh rail corridor. At present, the section operates as a single railway line and handles significant passenger and freight traffic every day.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the route currently manages 24 pairs of passenger trains in both directions, along with the transportation of essential goods including wheat, maize, ballast, boiled rice, cement, fertilisers, salt, sand, stone and sugar.

Railway officials said the existing line has reached 108.11 per cent capacity utilisation, which is expected to increase further to 119.34 per cent by 2028-29. The growing pressure on the route has created the need for additional infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve train operations.

The doubling work will provide an additional railway line, allowing smoother movement of trains, reducing delays and improving punctuality. The upgraded section is also expected to strengthen connectivity for passengers and improve the reliability of freight services.

After completion, the project is projected to support the movement of an additional 1.764 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight. This will benefit agriculture, construction industries and other sectors dependent on efficient transportation facilities in the region.

The Ministry of Railways stated that the Mansi-Saharsa doubling project is part of its broader plan to expand capacity on busy railway routes, improve connectivity and develop a faster, safer and more efficient rail network across India.

The project is expected to bring significant benefits to Saharsa and surrounding areas by improving rail infrastructure and supporting regional economic growth.