44.4 km capacity expansion to improve passenger services, boost freight movement and support tourism and regional economic growth

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways has approved a ₹499 crore doubling project for the 44.40 km Mansi–Saharsa rail section in Bihar.
• The project will increase line capacity on the busy Mansi–Saraigarh corridor.
• The route currently handles 24 pairs of passenger trains in each direction.
• Existing line utilisation has reached 108.11% and is projected to rise to 119.34% by 2028-29.
• The upgraded corridor will support an additional 1.764 million tonnes of freight annually.
• Key commodities transported include wheat, maize, rice, cement, fertilisers, sugar and construction materials.

Indian Railways Approves ₹499 Crore Doubling Project for Busy Bihar Rail Corridor

New Delhi, June 30, 2026: Indian Railways has approved a ₹499 crore project to double the 44.40-km Mansi–Saharsa rail section in Bihar, aiming to enhance passenger capacity, improve freight movement and strengthen operational efficiency on one of the state’s busiest railway corridors.

The project, sanctioned for the East Central Railway, will add a second line to the existing single-track section on the Mansi–Saraigarh route, addressing growing traffic demand and easing congestion.

Meeting Rising Passenger and Freight Demand

The Mansi–Saharsa section currently accommodates 24 pairs of passenger trains in each direction while also serving as a vital freight corridor for transporting agricultural produce, construction materials and essential commodities.

According to Indian Railways, the line currently operates at 108.11% capacity utilisation, with demand expected to increase to 119.34% by 2028-29, making capacity expansion a priority.

Once completed, the doubling project will:

• Increase line capacity.
• Improve train punctuality.
• Reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Enhance operational flexibility.
• Support future passenger and freight growth.

The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to facilitate an additional 1.764 million tonnes of freight per annum (MTPA), improving logistics for agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors.

Supporting Bihar’s Economic and Transport Network

The corridor plays an important role in transporting commodities including wheat, maize, rice, boiled rice, cement, fertilisers, salt, sand, ballast, stone and sugar, making it a critical link for regional supply chains and economic activity.

The project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to strengthen capacity on high-demand routes while improving service reliability and operational efficiency across the national rail network.

Hospitality & Tourism Impact

The Mansi–Saharsa doubling project is expected to improve rail connectivity across northern Bihar, benefiting both domestic travellers and regional tourism. Enhanced rail capacity and improved punctuality will make travel more convenient for passengers visiting religious, cultural and rural tourism destinations in the region.

For the hospitality sector, better railway connectivity can stimulate demand for hotels, restaurants, local transport operators and tourism-related businesses by encouraging greater passenger movement. Improved freight operations will also strengthen supply chains for hospitality establishments by enabling more efficient transportation of food products, beverages, construction materials and other essential goods.

The project reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to developing modern transport infrastructure that supports tourism growth, regional development and long-term economic expansion.