54-km third line project to improve passenger movement, freight efficiency and industrial connectivity across Eastern and Northern India

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways approves ₹962 crore Kiul–Jhajha 3rd Line Project
• 54-km infrastructure upgrade to boost capacity on the Howrah–Delhi route
• Project to improve punctuality and reduce congestion on high-density corridor
• Strengthens connectivity between Patna and Kolkata
• Freight movement linked to Haldia and Kolkata ports expected to improve
• Corridor supports industrial hubs including Barh STPP and Jawahar STPP
• Strategic connectivity to Raxaul and Nepal logistics network to benefit

Indian Railways has approved the ₹962 crore Kiul–Jhajha 3rd Line Project, a major capacity enhancement initiative aimed at improving operations on the high-density Howrah–Delhi corridor — one of the busiest rail routes in India.

The 54-km project forms part of the High Traffic Density Network (HTDN) of Indian Railways and is expected to strengthen both passenger and freight transportation across Eastern and Northern India.

Additional Rail Capacity Planned for Busy Howrah–Delhi Corridor

Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kiul–Jhajha third line project will significantly improve operational efficiency and line capacity on the heavily utilised route.

According to the Ministry, the existing double-line section between Kiul and Jhajha is currently operating beyond optimal capacity levels, while passenger and freight traffic demand is projected to rise further in the coming years.

The third line is expected to:

• Reduce rail congestion
• Improve train punctuality
• Enhance operational flexibility
• Facilitate smoother passenger and freight movement
• Strengthen long-term rail infrastructure capacity

Officials stated that the additional line infrastructure will help streamline train operations on the critical eastern segment of the Howrah–Delhi main line.

Improved Connectivity Between Patna and Kolkata

The Railway Ministry highlighted that the project will strengthen rail connectivity between major urban and economic centres including Patna and Kolkata, improving travel reliability and supporting regional economic activity.

The upgraded corridor is expected to play an important role in improving logistics efficiency and facilitating faster movement of goods across Eastern India.

Freight and Industrial Connectivity to Receive Major Boost

The Kiul–Jhajha section serves as a strategic freight corridor connecting:

• Kolkata Port
• Haldia Port
• Raxaul border region
• Nepal trade routes

The corridor also handles significant freight traffic linked to major industrial establishments and logistics hubs including:

• Barh Super Thermal Power Project (STPP)
• Jawahar STPP
• Birganj Inland Container Depot (ICD)

The Ministry said the project will improve freight handling capacity and support more efficient transportation of industrial and trade cargo across the region.

Indian Railways Expanding High Traffic Density Network

The Kiul–Jhajha 3rd Line Project is part of Indian Railways’ broader infrastructure modernisation strategy focused on expanding capacity across high-traffic corridors.

With increasing passenger demand and freight movement across the Howrah–Delhi route, the project is expected to provide long-term operational support while improving rail transport reliability between key economic centres of Eastern and Northern India.

Officials added that the enhanced carrying capacity will contribute towards:

• Faster logistics movement
• Reduced network congestion
• Better freight turnaround efficiency
• Improved passenger train operations

The project is also expected to support industrial growth and trade connectivity across Bihar and neighbouring regions by strengthening one of the country’s most critical rail transport corridors.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Sector

The enhanced rail capacity and improved connectivity between Patna, Kolkata and adjoining regions are expected to positively impact domestic travel, business tourism and regional hospitality growth. Better punctuality and reduced congestion on the Howrah–Delhi route could improve passenger experience for both leisure and corporate travellers, while strengthening rail-based tourism circuits across Eastern India. Improved freight movement linked to ports and industrial corridors may also support hotel development, logistics hospitality and commercial activity in emerging urban centres. Additionally, stronger connectivity towards Nepal trade routes and border logistics hubs could create new opportunities for cross-border tourism, transit hospitality and regional travel services across Bihar and Eastern India.