The Ministry of Railways has shared a significant update regarding the Muzaffarpur–Sagauli rail line doubling project in Bihar. As of February 19, 2026, the project has reached a major milestone with 93.71 km of the total 100.6 km length now completed. This development is expected to significantly improve train movement and reduce congestion on this critical route that connects North Bihar to the Nepal border.
Speed Trials and Safety Inspections
A successful speed trial was conducted on February 17, 2026, on the newly doubled 9 km stretch between Bettiah and Kumarbagh. During this technical inspection, a train reached a maximum speed of 120 kmph. Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety Guru Prakash personally inspected the tracks to ensure all safety standards were met before opening the line for public use. The Samastipur Division of East Central Railway managed the ground implementation under the leadership of DRM Jyoti Prakash Mishra.
Project Impact and Cost Details
| Project Aspect | Status and Data |
|---|---|
| Total Project Length | 100.6 km |
| Completed Section | 93.71 km |
| Revised Project Cost | ₹1,586.22 crore |
| Line Capacity Load | 213% |
| Employment Generated | 24.14 lakh mandays |
The doubling of this line is crucial for the region because the current track was handling 213% more traffic than its designed capacity. This bottleneck caused frequent delays for the 38 plus mail and express trains running daily. With the new double line and electrification, the railways will provide faster travel and better connectivity for international trade via Champaran. The project cost saw a revision from the initial estimate to approximately ₹1,586.22 crore due to land acquisition and complex bridge construction needs.