Indian Railways has officially approved the 36.4 km rail line between Dehri On Sone and Banjari in Rohtas district. This project is part of the East Central Railway’s work list for the financial year 2026-27. The revival of this track comes after nearly four decades of being non-operational, providing a much-needed boost to the regional transport network.
Budget details and project allocation
The total cost for the first phase of this rail project is estimated at 111.20 crore. The East Central Railway has allocated the funds under specific heads to ensure smooth execution of the work:
- Total sanctioned amount: 111.20 crore
- Capital expenditure: 106.10 crore
- S. fund contribution: 5.10 crore
- Amount spent on preliminary surveys: Over 7 crore
- Resurvey budget for current year: 0.06 crore
Historical significance and expected impact
The Dehri-Rohtas Light Railway originally started its operations back in 1911 to support the industrial belt of Bihar. This track was once the primary lifeline for transporting limestone for cement factories and bamboo for the paper industry. After remaining closed for 40 years, its revival was pushed by local organizations like Team Dehriyans through memorandums to the Railway Ministry. Once completed, this line will enhance mineral transportation, create new employment opportunities, and improve connectivity to local historical and religious sites for tourists.