East Central Railway begins tendering for Bakhtiyarpur Rajgir Tilaiya rail line doubling

The East Central Railway has officially initiated the tendering process for the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya rail line, marking a significant milestone for regional infrastructure in Bihar. The project will span across the districts of Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, and Nawada, benefiting approximately 13.46 lakh residents across 1,434 villages and significantly improving rail connectivity to major tourism and pilgrimage sites including Rajgir, Nalanda, Pawapuri, and Bodh Gaya. The broader 104-kilometer doubling project received approval from the Union Cabinet in September 2025 at an estimated total cost of 2,192 crore rupees, with a targeted completion date of 2029.

First Phase and Tendering Details

The project's first phase involves the construction of a 26.292-kilometer section from Karnauti to Bihar Sharif, with an estimated cost of 575.14 crore rupees. This phase is being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, with a submission deadline for bids set for December 30, 2026. The selected agency will be granted 810 days to complete the work. The new track alignment will alternate sides of the existing line from Karnauti through Harnaut, Rajgir, and Natesar toward Tilaiya, requiring the acquisition of approximately 75 hectares of land.

Freight Capacity and Environmental Benefits

Technically, the new line will be built to handle 25-ton axle load standards, facilitating heavy freight operations. Once operational, the doubled line is projected to handle an additional 26 million tons of freight annually, contributing to a reduction of 5 crore liters in oil imports and a decrease of 24 crore kilograms in CO2 emissions per year. Furthermore, the infrastructure plan includes the conversion of 31 railway level crossings into underpasses to enhance safety and the construction of 25 foot-over bridges (FOB) at various stations and halts.