The long wait for the Godda-Pirpainti rail line is finally coming to an end as the project moves to the ground level. The railway administration has officially opened the tenders for the first phase of this major connectivity project. With a contract value of approximately ₹531.23 crore for the first section, construction work is set to begin soon between Godda and Mahagama. This project is expected to boost the transport of coal and ease passenger travel in the region.
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What is the plan for Phase 1 and Phase 2?
The construction of the 62 km long rail line has been divided into two distinct phases to ensure faster execution. The first phase covers the stretch from Godda to Mahagama, which is about 28 km long. Officials have confirmed that land acquisition for this section, involving around 150 to 300 acres, is largely complete. With the tenders now opened, physical work is expected to start within the next two years.
The second phase will connect Mahagama to Pirpainti. This section requires acquiring about 507 acres of land. There has been some resistance from local farmers in the Pirpainti area regarding fertile land. However, railway officials have stated that the alignment cannot be changed because alternative routes pass through restricted coal fields. The administration is working to resolve these land issues quickly.
Update on Vikramshila-Katariya Bridge and Survey
Apart from the Godda-Pirpainti line, a new 32 km line between Vikramshila and Katariya is also making progress. This section features a massive 4 km long rail bridge over the Ganga River. The bridge alone is estimated to cost around ₹1,153 crore. District Magistrate Dr. Naval Kishore Choudhary has instructed officials to speed up the land mapping and survey work to avoid any delays.
Project Key Highlights:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Budget | ₹1,393 Crore (Godda-Pirpainti) |
| Phase 1 Tender Value | ₹531.23 Crore |
| Phase 1 Route | Godda to Mahagama (28 km) |
| Bridge Target Year | 2029 |
| Full Line Target | 2031 |
| Bridge Agency | IRCON International Limited |
The survey for 421.6 acres of land across 16 villages is currently underway for the bridge section. Once completed, this entire network will provide a direct link for coal transport from Lalmatia to the NTPC Farakka plant, reducing the load on the existing Kahalgaon route.