East Central Railway has moved a proposal to the Railway Board for constructing a massive four-lane rail bridge over the Sone river at Koilwar in Bihar. This project is expected to cost between 3500 and 4000 crore rupees and will be built parallel to the existing rail bridge. Once completed, it will allow three trains to pass at the same time, which is a major upgrade from the current system where only two trains can move in up and down directions. The Detailed Project Report for this plan will be submitted by the end of April 2026.
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Why is this new bridge important for passengers?
The Howrah-Patna-DDU main line currently faces heavy traffic and the existing Abdul Bari bridge is over 163 years old. This new infrastructure will allow semi high-speed trains to maintain their speed while crossing the river, which is currently difficult due to the aging condition of the old tracks. The project is part of a larger 17,000 crore rupee plan to lay third and fourth lines between DDU and Jhajha to ensure faster travel and better connectivity for the region.
Project Details and Current Status
The construction will require significant land and the local administration is looking into the removal of encroachments. However, the Koilwar CO has stated that no official notices have been received yet. Safety remains a priority as experts have raised concerns about illegal sand mining near the foundations of the existing bridges. The final execution of the project will begin after the Union Cabinet gives its formal approval due to the high cost involved.
| Project Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | 3500 to 4000 Crore Rupees |
| Bridge Type | Four-Lane Rail Bridge |
| Capacity | 3 trains can pass simultaneously |
| Old Bridge Age | 163 years (Built in 1862) |
| Main Route | Howrah-Patna-DDU Section |
- The bridge is designed to support the target of increasing actual train speeds on tracks.
- It will be the second four-lane rail bridge in the country.
- The plan includes managing the heavy traffic load on the busy Patna-Mughalsarai route.
- Semi high-speed trains like Vande Bharat will be able to cross without slowing down.