Khalilabad-Bahraich Rail Project: 2026 Deadline Under Threat
The ambitious Khalilabad-Bahraich rail project faces delays, threatening the December 2026 deadline for its first phase due to land acquisition issues.
The ambitious 240-kilometer Khalilabad-Bahraich rail project is facing significant hurdles that could delay its scheduled completion. While construction activities are ongoing, many are questioning whether the first phase will meet its targeted deadline of December 2026.
Status of Phase 1: Khalilabad to Bansi
The first segment of this massive infrastructure undertaking covers 54 kilometers from Khalilabad to Bansi. Although work is actively progressing—including soil filling, the development of underpasses, and the construction of station buildings—significant infrastructure gaps remain. These gaps have raised concerns about the feasibility of finishing this phase within the next two years.
A Three-Phase Vision for Connectivity
The entire project is structured into three distinct stages to connect the region effectively:
- Phase 1: Khalilabad to Bansi (54 km)
- Phase 2: Bansi to Ikauna (120 km)
- Phase 3: Ikauna to Bahraich (66 km)
Once fully operational, the route is expected to feature a total of 32 stations and halts to facilitate passenger and freight movement.
Financial Breakdown and Budgeting
The project was officially sanctioned on March 2, 2019, with a total estimated budget of ₹4,940 crore. As of March 2026, approximately ₹1,525 crore has been utilized for various construction activities. To sustain operations, a budget provision of ₹686 crore has been allocated for the 2026-27 financial year.
Major Obstacles: Land Acquisition
Despite the financial allocation and ongoing site work, land acquisition remains the primary bottleneck. Specifically, progress is being impeded in the Bansi and Dumariyaganj tehsils. While district officials have conducted several review meetings to expedite the procurement of land and ensure work proceeds in a time-bound manner, the current pace of construction continues to cast uncertainty over the December 2026 completion target for the first phase.