By Enersider Desk | New Delhi
Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project to Strengthen Passenger Movement, Connectivity and Regional Industrial Growth: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Indian Railways has approved the Kiul-Jhajha 3rd Line Project (54 km) at a cost of ₹962 crore, according to an official statement dated May 19, 2026. The project forms part of the High Traffic Density Network of Indian Railways and is expected to strengthen passenger and freight movement across Eastern and Northern India.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the project will enhance capacity on the Howrah-Delhi corridor and help improve punctuality and operational flexibility of train services. He said the additional line infrastructure will facilitate movement of passenger and freight trains while supporting industrial growth and trade connectivity across the region.
The existing double line section between Kiul and Jhajha is operating beyond optimal capacity utilisation, while traffic demand on the corridor is expected to increase further in the coming years. The third line project will improve line capacity, reduce congestion and facilitate smoother movement of trains. The project will strengthen connectivity between Patna and Kolkata, while also supporting freight movement linked to industrial and logistics hubs across Northern and Eastern India.
The route provides connectivity between Kolkata/Haldia ports and Raxaul/Nepal, and handles freight traffic associated with industrial establishments including Barh STPP, Jawahar STPP and Birganj ICD. The section has been identified under the High Traffic Density Network Corridor of Indian Railways.
