The ambitious 240-kilometer Khalilabad-Bahraich new rail line project has hit a significant roadblock in Sant Kabir Nagar. As of July 9, 2026, construction activities in the Parsa Pandey area have remained at a standstill for the past month. The primary cause for this delay is an ongoing issue regarding soil mining permissions required for the excavation and embankment work.
- Construction work by DPS Private Limited Rae Bareli has been halted for one month.
- The stoppage follows a directive from the SDM Mehdawal regarding unauthorized excavation limits.
- The project covers a 35-kilometer stretch across 56 villages in Sant Kabir Nagar.
- Over ₹365 crore in compensation has already been disbursed to 5,089 affected farmers.
Details Behind the Stoppage
The project delay originated when the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Mehdawal, Arun Kumar, intervened to stop soil extraction from a pond in Parsa Pandey. Although the mining department had originally sanctioned the activity for the contractor, DPS Private Limited Rae Bareli, a subsequent report by revenue officials indicated that the excavation had exceeded the permitted limits. According to Pawan Mishra, the Project Incharge, the company has reapplied for the necessary permits. While a report has been filed by the local Tehsil office, the project remains in limbo awaiting a final clearance from the district administration.
Progress and Current Status
Despite this temporary hurdle, the Khalilabad-Bahraich line remains a critical infrastructure priority. The project spans 56 villages across the Khalilabad and Mehdawal tehsils. To date, 148 hectares of land have been successfully acquired for the track. Furthermore, the administration is currently in the process of acquiring an additional 7.378 hectares, with SDMs conducting final verifications before the official gazette publication and the commencement of compensation camps.
While the soil excavation for the main line is stalled, other infrastructure works are progressing as planned. Companies such as JPW Infratech Private Limited and Mittal & Mittal Company are actively working on the construction of underpasses and overbridges along the designated route. A public hearing concerning the rail line development was also successfully conducted on June 24, 2026, signaling the government’s commitment to resolving local concerns and pushing the project toward completion.