East Central Railway (ECR) General Manager Chhatrasal Singh conducted a window trailing inspection of the Patliputra-Shahpur Patori-Barauni-Naugarh rail section on Monday, June 15, 2026. During the visit, he reviewed the safety, operational systems, and various technical aspects of the section. He also visited the construction site of the new Vikramshila-Kataria rail line project.
What are the key details of the Vikramshila-Kataria project?
The project involves building a new 26 km long rail line near Bhagalpur in Bihar with an estimated cost of ₹2549 crore. A major part of this project is a 2.44 km long double-line bridge over the Ganga river. The bridge will be ‘Y’ shaped, connecting Kataria and Naugarh in the north to Vikramshila and Shivnarayanpur stations in the south.
What is the current status of the bridge and land acquisition?
The tender process for the bridge is complete and soil testing has been finished. The final design and drawings of the main bridge will be ready within the next three months, after which construction will start. For the rail lines on both sides of the bridge, about 180 hectares of land need to be acquired, and notices under sections 20A and 20E have already been issued.
How will this project benefit the passengers?
| Feature | Impact/Detail |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Improved links between Kosi, Seemanchal, and Ang regions of Bihar |
| Travel Time | Significant reduction in travel time for passengers |
| Economy | Boost to trade and freight movement in the region |
| Technical Review | Inspection covered OHE systems, track strength, and bridges |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost and length of the Vikramshila-Kataria rail project?
The project has an estimated cost of ₹2549 crore and involves the construction of a 26 km long new rail line near Bhagalpur.
When will the construction of the Ganga bridge start?
The design and drawings of the main bridge will be completed in the next three months, after which the construction work will begin.